Violence Escalates in Bengal Following Election Results: BJP Leader's Aide Murdered

Following the assembly election results in Bengal, violence has escalated with the shocking murder of Chandranath Rath, the personal secretary of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. Shot dead by assailants in Madhyamgram, Rath's death has ignited outrage among BJP workers, who demand justice. The police are investigating the incident, reviewing CCTV footage, and have seized a vehicle linked to the attack. Eyewitnesses describe the attack as premeditated, raising concerns about political motives. The Trinamool Congress has been accused of responsibility, while calls for a CBI investigation have emerged. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region following the elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 7, 2026, 12:42 IST

Murder of BJP Leader's Aide Sparks Outrage

New Delhi. The violence in Bengal continues unabated following the assembly election results. In a recent incident, the personal secretary of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, Chandranath Rath, was shot dead by assailants on Wednesday night. This tragic event took place in Madhyamgram, located in the North 24 Parganas district. Reports indicate that Rath was returning home in his SUV around 10:20 PM after completing assembly work when a vehicle suddenly blocked his path near a biryani shop in Dohariya. Before Rath and others in the car could react, four attackers on two motorcycles approached and opened fire at point-blank range.

Details of the Attack

Rath sustained gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen, while the driver, Buddhadev Bera, was injured in the chest, abdomen, and legs. The attackers, who were not wearing helmets, fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Local residents rushed Rath and Bera to a nearby private hospital, where doctors pronounced Rath dead on arrival. Bera was later transferred to another hospital for further treatment, and his condition remains critical.

According to medical professionals, Rath was shot twice in the chest, leaving no chance for survival. The hospital owner, Pratim Sengupta, confirmed that Rath had already succumbed to his injuries before arriving at the facility. Senior police officials arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, sealing off the area for forensic investigation.

Police Investigation Underway

Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area, which reportedly shows the suspects fleeing the scene on motorcycles. DGP Siddhanta Gupta, who visited the site, stated that investigators have also seized the small vehicle allegedly used to block Rath's SUV before the attack. He noted that the vehicle's registration number appears to be from the Siliguri regional transport office, but initial investigations suggest tampering with the license plate.

A senior police officer indicated that the attackers seemed to have specifically targeted Rath. Investigators are exploring all angles, including political and personal motives.

BJP Workers Express Anger

The murder has incited significant anger among BJP workers, with hundreds gathering outside the hospital throughout the night, demanding the immediate arrest of the attackers while chanting slogans against the ruling Trinamool Congress. Many supporters were seen in tears when senior BJP leaders and newly elected legislators arrived at the hospital. Notably, Rath was a former Air Force personnel.

Suvendu Adhikari condemned the murder as a brutal and premeditated act, alleging that the attackers had surveilled the area for several days before executing their plan. He mentioned that senior BJP leaders, including Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar, have reached out to the victim's family, assuring them of full support.

BJP Blames Trinamool Congress

Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya has held the Trinamool Congress responsible for the attack, stating, "This was expected from the Trinamool. They are accountable for this death." In contrast, the Trinamool Congress condemned the incident and called for a CBI investigation under court supervision to identify those behind the murder and ensure swift justice. Eyewitnesses described the attack as highly organized and premeditated, with one witness telling a news agency that Rath's vehicle was blocked shortly after being overtaken by another car, followed by a gunman on a motorcycle who opened fire from close range. A total of eight individuals arrived on four motorcycles.

Increased Police Presence

An eyewitness remarked that the attack seemed premeditated, noting that the assailants appeared trained and fled the scene immediately after firing. The incident occurred between 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM, approximately 200-300 meters from the hospital. Images from the scene revealed the shattered windshield of Rath's SUV, bloodstains inside the vehicle, and a heavy police presence on Jessore Road, as forensic teams meticulously gathered evidence from the area.