Chandranath Dutta, a personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, died after a shooting in Madhyamgram on Wednesday night.
According to police, attackers followed his car and then forced it to slow down. After that, they opened fire and fired at least four rounds.
As a result, Dutta suffered severe bullet injuries in the chest and head. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors could not save him.
Meanwhile, his driver, Buddhadeb, also sustained injuries during the attack. He remains in critical condition at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata.
How the ambush unfolded
Investigators said the attackers tracked the vehicle through Madhyamgram before cornering it. Once the car slowed, they opened fire from outside.
In addition, the car’s front-left window shattered immediately due to the impact. Bullet marks on the glass confirmed close-range firing.
At the same time, residents reported hearing multiple gunshots, which created panic in the area. Shortly after the attack, the assailants fled the scene.
Following the incident, Suvendu Adhikari reached the hospital as soon as he received information. Meanwhile, police secured the area and increased security around the hospital.
So far, investigators have not identified the attackers. However, they continue to probe the motive behind the killing.
Political reactions intensify
Soon after the incident, the BJP accused the Trinamool Congress of involvement. Party leaders linked the killing to what they described as a pattern of post-poll violence in the state.
Furthermore, they claimed that law and order have collapsed and demanded a detailed investigation into the incident.
As a result, political tensions between the two parties escalated further.
West Bengal continues to see post-poll unrest
The incident comes amid continuing unrest in West Bengal following the recent Assembly elections. Notably, the BJP secured a strong mandate and ended the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule.
Since then, multiple violent incidents have been reported across districts.
For instance, BJP worker Madhu Mondal was killed in New Town.
Additionally, arson and vandalism incidents have been reported in several areas. Party offices in Tollygunge, Kasba, and Panihati were attacked, and political posters were torn down.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has ordered strict action against those involved in post-poll violence. In response, police have arrested several individuals across different districts linked to these incidents.
Escalating political confrontation
Overall, Suvendu Adhikari, a senior BJP leader known for high-profile electoral victories, now faces a deepening political confrontation following the killing of his aide.
At present, police continue their investigation. However, West Bengal remains on edge as violence and political accusations continue to intensify across the state.