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The incident took place around 10:30 pm in the Madhyamgram (Img: Internet)
Kolkata: Political tensions in West Bengal intensified on Thursday after the murder of Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. In response, state police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case.
Officials said the SIT will be headed by an Inspector General-level officer and include personnel from specialised units and multiple districts. Investigators are expected to examine all possible angles, including any larger conspiracy behind the attack.
West Bengal: BJP Leader Suvendu Adhikari’s PA Shot Dead
According to preliminary information, the incident took place around 10:30 pm in the Madhyamgram area of North 24 Parganas district. Rath was reportedly returning home from Kolkata when his vehicle came under attack.
Police sources said a car following Rath’s Scorpio overtook it near the Dohria stretch. Moments later, assailants riding a motorcycle allegedly opened fire at close range from the left side of the vehicle.
Rath suffered multiple bullet injuries, including wounds to the chest and abdomen. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His driver, who also sustained gunshot injuries, remains in critical condition and is undergoing treatment in Kolkata.
Investigators confirmed that several suspects have been detained for questioning. However, the main attackers are still absconding.
Police are also interrogating local criminal suspects to determine whether they assisted in planning or executing the attack. Search operations are continuing in nearby areas.
The incident triggered protests by BJP supporters in different parts of the state. Demonstrators blocked roads and raised slogans alleging political conspiracy behind the murder.
In Paschim Medinipur district, party workers staged protests using burning tyres to block traffic movement. Senior BJP leaders visited the area while security personnel remained deployed to prevent further escalation.
The killing comes at a politically sensitive time, just ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the incoming government in West Bengal. The incident has further sharpened political tensions between the BJP and the ruling establishment.
