PA Ambushed Near Kolkata
In a grim turn of events following the recent assembly election results, Chandranath Rath, a key personal assistant to Suvendu Adhikari, a prominent figure
in the West Bengal BJP, was fatally shot. The incident took place in Madhyamgram, a locality near Kolkata. Rath was reportedly traveling in a moving car when assailants pursued him and opened fire. Four shots were fired, with three striking him. Visual evidence from the scene revealed bullet damage to the car's front left window, indicating a direct and targeted attack. Rath, who had been associated with Adhikari for many years, played a crucial role in managing the BJP leader's political engagements and operational tasks, making him an integral part of Adhikari's inner circle. The driver of the vehicle, Buddhadeb, sustained injuries during the attack and was promptly taken to a local hospital for medical attention. The location of the shooting, within the Madhyamgram constituency of the North 24 Parganas district, has also drawn attention given the recent electoral outcomes in the area.
Political Accusations Fly
The assassination of Chandranath Rath has ignited a firestorm of political accusations, with the BJP pointing fingers at the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) for the violence. Suvendu Adhikari himself rushed to the hospital in Madhyamgram, where authorities had secured Rath's body. His brother, Dibyendu Adhikari, stated that Suvendu was not present with his PA at the time of the attack and called for a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He alleged that the TMC was behind the killing, characterizing it as a deep-seated conspiracy indicative of the party's alleged culture of violence. BJP leaders like Nikhil Prasun echoed these sentiments, calling the murder brutal and demanding a comprehensive probe. Similarly, Devdas Mondal accused the TMC of orchestrating the killing of an 'innocent man' and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. In response, the Trinamool Congress condemned the murder but shifted the blame, alleging that 'BJP-backed miscreants' were responsible for post-poll violence over the preceding three days. Their official statement on X highlighted incidents of violence allegedly carried out by BJP supporters, despite the election's conclusion.
Post-Poll Violence & Arrests
The fatal shooting of Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant occurred on a day marked by heightened political tensions and allegations of post-poll disturbances. The Trinamool Congress, which secured victory in the Madhyamgram constituency by a narrow margin of 2,399 votes against a strong BJP challenge, claimed that the BJP was attempting to instigate violence. They alleged that individuals posing as BJP supporters were involved in such acts. Social media platforms displayed videos purportedly showing groups causing damage to public property. In response to these widespread incidents of unrest, the Kolkata Police reported significant enforcement actions. Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand stated that approximately 80 individuals were arrested, with an additional 65 taken into custody for specific offenses. Furthermore, 15 others were detained as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order. Suvendu Adhikari, renowned for his victory over Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur seat by over 15,000 votes, remains a key figure in the state's political landscape and a potential contender for the Chief Minister's post.
