Online Desk  

Amid ongoing political violence following the West Bengal Assembly election results, Chandranath Rath, a close aide and personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead late Wednesday night in the Doharia area of Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas.

According to local sources, armed attackers intercepted Chandranath Rath’s vehicle while he was returning home and opened fire at close range. Another person travelling in the car was seriously injured and rushed to a hospital in Kolkata. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the injured individual was the driver or another associate.

The incident triggered tension across the area, prompting a heavy police deployment. Investigators have cordoned off the scene, while Chandranath Rath’s body has been kept at a private hospital. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari later visited the hospital after receiving the news.

Local media reports said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and fired through the car window from close range. Suvendu’s brother, Dibyendu Adhikari, alleged that the gunmen pressed firearms directly against the car window before shooting.

Chandranath Rath previously served in the Indian Air Force before joining Suvendu Adhikari’s team as a personal assistant after retirement. He had also played an active role in the recent assembly election campaign.

Police said operations are underway to restore order and identify those responsible. However, the killing of a close associate of Suvendu Adhikari is expected to further intensify political tensions in the state.