BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant Chandranath Rath was shot dead by unidentified assailants
May 7, 2026: Chandranath Rath, who served as personal assistant to West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by unidentified bike-borne attackers in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas. BJP leaders, including Agnimitra Paul, described him as a “completely apolitical” and dependable aide who had worked closely with Adhikari for years. The attack reportedly involved multiple rounds of firing late Wednesday night.
The incident came just days after the BJP’s strong electoral performance in the West Bengal Assembly elections, where the party secured 207 seats. Rath’s family has demanded strict punishment for the accused, linking the killing to rising post-poll tensions. Police have launched an investigation, saying the attack appears to have been planned after surveillance of the victim.
Tensions have escalated further amid allegations and counter-allegations between political parties in North 24 Parganas. Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have termed the incident a “cold-blooded murder” and urged restraint while calling for a fair probe. Authorities have intensified security measures as investigations continue into the targeted shooting.