New Delhi: Since the announcement of the Assembly election results in West Bengal, the situation has been steadily deteriorating. Reports of clashes and violence involving TMC members and party workers have emerged from various locations across the state. Late on Wednesday night, the Personal Assistant (PA) to Suvendu Adhikari—the BJP’s most prominent leader in West Bengal—was shot dead.

The PA was identified as Chandranath Rath. The incident took place in the Madhyamgram area of ​​the North 24 Parganas district. Four rounds of fire were directed at Chandranath during the attack. Both Chandranath and his driver sustained critical injuries in the shooting. They were rushed in critical condition to a nearby hospital, where Chandranath succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Vehicle Stopped, Bullets Rained Down

A group of individuals first forced Suvendu Adhikari’s PA’s vehicle to stop, and then unleashed a rapid barrage of bullets. According to police sources, two vehicles—comprising one car and one motorcycle—had been tailing Chandranath Rath’s vehicle. The car overtook the PA’s vehicle, following which the attackers riding the motorcycle opened fire.

The police have launched an investigation into the matter and are in the process of retrieving CCTV footage. So far, preliminary information has been gathered from eyewitnesses. Witnesses informed the police that the motorcycle involved in the attack did not bear a registration plate. Chandranath sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

Attackers to be Apprehended Soon

West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Siddhinath Gupta also visited the crime scene and vowed that the attackers would be apprehended shortly. He stated that the police are actively investigating the case. The car used in the incident has been seized; Its registration number appears to have been tampered with.

The DGP also confirmed the recovery of spent cartridges and live rounds from the scene of the crime. He added that CCTV footage is being thoroughly scrutinized, and information is being gathered from local witnesses. The investigation will proceed based on these leads. According to the police, two vehicles had been trailing Chandranath Rath’s car.

What Eyewitnesses Reported

According to eyewitnesses, the motorcycle involved did not bear a license plate. According to sources, approximately 10 rounds were fired. Police sources further state that the pattern of this incident points towards a premeditated murder. A forensic team also arrived at the scene and collected evidence. Earlier, outraged by the murder of Chandranath Rath, BJP workers blocked the National Highway.