Suvendu Adhikari's PA shot dead in Bengal: BJP vows swift justice
Synopsis
Chandranath Rath, Personal Assistant to BJP's Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas in a late-night attack. With BJP now claiming power in the state, senior leaders have issued sharp warnings to the accused, while TMC — in an unusual move — has itself demanded a court-monitored CBI investigation into the killing.
Key Takeaways
Chandranath Rath , PA to Suvendu Adhikari , was shot dead on Wednesday night in Madhyamgram , North 24 Parganas .
Rath sustained gunshot wounds to his head, chest, and abdomen ; declared dead at Viva City Hospital .
Co-traveller Buddhadeb Bera also suffered multiple bullet injuries and remains in critical condition .
Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi warned that the accused will be found "even if hiding in the underworld." Trinamool Congress condemned the killing and demanded a court-monitored CBI investigation .
BJP leaders including Dilip Ghosh and N.
Ramchander Rao called for strict police action.
The killing of Chandranath Rath, Personal Assistant to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and outgoing Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has triggered sharp political reactions, with senior BJP leaders vowing that the perpetrators will be tracked down and brought to justice. Rath was shot dead late on Wednesday night while returning home from a party programme in the Madhyamgram area of North 24 Parganas district.
The Attack: What Happened
Rath sustained multiple gunshot injuries to his head, chest, and abdomen and was immediately rushed to Viva City Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Another individual, identified as Buddhadeb Bera, who was travelling in the same vehicle at the time of the attack, also suffered multiple bullet injuries. Bera is currently undergoing treatment at Viva City Hospital and remains in critical condition.
Bihar BJP Chief's Strong Warning
Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi voiced firm confidence that the accused will not escape justice. "We have seen that he used to stay with Suvendu Adhikari. He was shot dead at night. But people should understand this clearly, now there is no Trinamool Congress government there anymore. Now the government belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party. Even if someone is hiding in the underworld, they will be found and action will be taken. People should keep this firmly in mind. The BJP has won with a huge majority, so the accused will not be spared," Saraogi said.
Other BJP Leaders React
Dilip Ghosh, the newly elected BJP legislator from Kharagpur Sadar, expressed disbelief that such violence had continued after the election results. "We thought there would be no more violence or use of guns and that such incidents had stopped. However, those who could not manipulate elections earlier are still attempting such acts. The police should take strict action in the matter," Ghosh said.
BJP Telangana President N. Ramchander Rao, condemning the attack, described it as "a classic example of political intolerance by the Trinamool Congress," adding that even Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had once called the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) a 'gunda party' that believes in violence. Rao noted that both parties are now aligned because the BJP has won the elections.
TMC Condemns Attack, Demands CBI Probe
In a notable development, the Trinamool Congress itself denounced the killing and demanded a court-monitored CBI investigation into the incident, distancing the party from any involvement. The demand for a CBI probe underscores the political sensitivity of the case and the pressure on law enforcement to act decisively.
What Happens Next
With the BJP now in power in West Bengal, according to the leaders quoted, pressure is mounting on the state police to make swift arrests. The incident has intensified scrutiny on post-election law and order in the state, and all eyes will be on whether investigators can identify and apprehend the perpetrators in the days ahead.
Point of View
Rather than defending the state machinery, suggests either a genuine attempt to distance itself or a tactical move to pre-empt blame. Either way, the incident puts immediate pressure on the new BJP dispensation to demonstrate that its law-and-order promises translate into action, not just rhetoric. The history of post-election violence in Bengal means the next 48 hours of police response will be watched very closely.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Chandranath Rath and how was he killed?
Chandranath Rath was the Personal Assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. He was shot dead late on Wednesday night while returning from a party programme in the Madhyamgram area of North 24 Parganas district, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to his head, chest, and abdomen.
What has Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi said about the killing?
Saraogi expressed confidence that the perpetrators will be found and punished, stating that even if the accused are hiding in the underworld, they will be tracked down. He emphasised that the BJP's election victory means the accused will not be spared.
What is the condition of Buddhadeb Bera, the other victim?
Buddhadeb Bera, who was travelling in the same vehicle as Chandranath Rath at the time of the attack, suffered multiple bullet injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at Viva City Hospital in critical condition.
Has the Trinamool Congress responded to the killing?
Yes, the Trinamool Congress condemned the killing and demanded a court-monitored CBI investigation into the incident, distancing the party from any alleged involvement.
Why is this incident politically significant?
The killing occurred in the context of a high-profile BJP election victory in West Bengal, making post-election law and order a sensitive issue. BJP leaders have used the incident to highlight what they describe as TMC's culture of political violence, while TMC's demand for a CBI probe adds further complexity to the political fallout.
