The driver of Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide’s car remains highly critical. People are seen here after an attack in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas, May 6, 2026 | Photo credit: PTI
The driver of the car targeted by assailants of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide Chandranath Rath is in a critical condition in a Kolkata hospital, police sources said on Thursday (May 07, 2026).
Buddhadeb Bera, who was driving Rath’s car, sustained bullet injuries and underwent several surgeries, a senior hospital official said.
“His condition remains very critical. He has undergone several surgeries and is being closely monitored in the intensive care unit,” an official told PTI.
Doctors were “doing everything possible” to stabilize Mr Bera, he added.
Post-election tensions in West Bengal took a bloody turn on Wednesday (May 6, 2026) night after Chandranath Rath, a close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in North 24 Parganas in what the saffron camp described as a “targeted murder”, sparking outrage, political protests and fresh protests.
According to preliminary information, Rath was intercepted near Doltala in Madhyamgram around 10.30 pm by motorcycle-borne assailants who followed his vehicle, forced him to stop and opened fire before fleeing.
Investigators said Rath’s vehicle was intercepted barely 100 meters from his apartment complex on Wednesday (May 6, 2026) around 10:15 p.m.
Published – 07 May 2026 15:20 IST
