Suvendu Adhikari’s Close Aide Chandranath Rath Shot Dead in Targeted Attack in Madhyamgram : BJP Demands CBI Probe Amid Rising Post-Poll Violence in West Bengal

Kolkata / May 7 : In a shocking incident that has escalated political tensions in West Bengal just 2 days after the BJP’s landslide victory in the state assembly elections, Chandranath Rath, personal assistant and long-time close aide to senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead late on Wednesday night (May 6, 2026) in the Madhyamgram area on the outskirts of Kolkata.

The brazen attack occurred around 10:20 PM in the Doharia area along Jessore Road in North 24 Parganas district, approximately 200 metres from Rath’s residence. According to police and eyewitness accounts, motorcycle-borne assailants followed Rath’s white Scorpio SUV, overtook it when the vehicle slowed down, and opened fire at close range. At least four rounds were fired, with three bullets striking Rath in the head, chest, and abdomen. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Driver Critically Injured; Vehicle Riddled with Bullet Holes

Rath’s driver, Buddhadeb Bera, also sustained serious gunshot wounds and remains in critical condition at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata. The SUV was left riddled with bullet marks, with shattered glass and bloodstains visible inside. Forensic teams, along with police, are examining CCTV footage, bullet trajectories, and other evidence from the scene.

West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta confirmed that live rounds and fired cartridges were recovered, and a vehicle suspected to be linked to the attackers with a tampered number plate has been seized. Investigation is underway.

Suvendu Adhikari Calls It a ‘Pre-Planned Murder’

Suvendu Adhikari, who reached the hospital soon after the incident, described the killing as “heart-wrenching” and a “pre-planned murder.” He alleged that a recce had been conducted for 2-3 days prior and stated that only Rath was specifically targeted despite the driver also being present in the car. Adhikari appealed to supporters not to take the law into their own hands and urged calm. His brother, Dibyendu Adhikari, confirmed the details of the pursuit and firing while speaking to media.

BJP leaders have demanded a CBI probe into the case, citing lack of confidence in the state police administration. They have also sought enhanced security for all BJP MLAs in West Bengal. The party has alleged involvement of Trinamool Congress-backed elements in what they describe as targeted post-poll violence.

Who Was Chandranath Rath?

Chandranath Rath was a trusted inner-circle member of Suvendu Adhikari’s team for over a decade. Originally from Chandipur in Purba Medinipur (East Midnapore), he had served in the Indian Air Force for nearly two decades before entering active political coordination work.

Rath handled key logistical, administrative, and ground-level campaign responsibilities for Adhikari, including during his switch from TMC to BJP and recent high-profile wins in constituencies like Nandigram and Bhabanipur. He was described by associates as “joined at the hip” with the BJP leader.

TMC Condemns Killing, Demands CBI Probe; Mentions Own Workers Killed

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) strongly condemned the “brutal murder” of Chandranath Rath and demanded a court-monitored CBI investigation. In its statement, the party also highlighted the killing of three of its own workers in alleged post-poll violence by BJP-backed miscreants over the past three days, despite the Model Code of Conduct being in force. TMC described political killings as unacceptable in a democracy.

Context of Post-Poll Violence

The incident comes amid a spate of reported political violence in West Bengal following the BJP’s historic assembly election victory. Both sides have traded allegations of targeted attacks, with BJP claiming systematic targeting of its leaders and workers, while TMC points to violence against its cadre. The killing has intensified debates over law and order, opposition security, and the need for central intervention in the state.

Police have intensified investigations, with senior officials monitoring the case. No arrests have been announced yet, and the motive remains under scrutiny, though political rivalry is suspected by multiple parties.

This high-profile assassination has sent shockwaves through West Bengal’s political circles, raising fresh concerns about the state’s law-and-order situation in the wake of the recent polls. Further updates are awaited as the probe progresses.