Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead inside his car in Madhyamgram, West Bengal [1].
The killing of a high-profile political aide underscores the volatile security situation and ongoing political friction within the North 24 Parganas district.
The attack occurred on May 7, 2024 [2]. According to reports, men on motorcycles used a firearm to target Rath while he was inside his vehicle [1], [3]. One person died in the incident [1].
While the motive for the shooting remains unclear, the event has triggered immediate political tension. Some reports describe the perpetrators as an unknown gang [3]. However, BJP leader Arjun Singh said that TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee was involved in the killing [2].
Emergency responders and police arrived at the scene in Madhyamgram following the late-night shooting [3]. The mortal remains of Rath were later brought to his residence [2]. A driver involved in the incident remained in critical condition following the attack [2].
Local authorities are investigating the sequence of events to determine how the attackers executed the shooting and whether the act was a targeted political assassination or the work of a criminal gang [3].
“Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead inside his car”
This incident reflects the persistent risk of political violence in West Bengal, where clashes between the BJP and TMC often escalate into targeted attacks. The conflicting narratives—ranging from a random gang shooting to a coordinated political hit—highlight the deep polarization and mistrust between the state's primary political factions.
