Security personnel deployed around the car used by Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant in the area where he was shot. Image: Screenshot, special arrangement
Amid rising post-election violence in West Bengal, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Madhyamgram area of North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday (6 May 2026). Chandranath Rath was shot dead on Wednesday evening (May 6, 2026) and sustained severe injuries. He was taken to a hospital and was pronounced dead. He was closely associated with Mr. Adhikari for a long time.
Mr. Rath was allegedly shot three times at close range in the Madhyamgram area of the district.
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The shooters have not yet been identified and were reportedly carried on a bicycle. The deceased was traveling in a four-wheeler.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Adhikari called for calm against the post-election violence in the state. The BJP leadership in West Bengal, including state president Samik Bhattacharya and Mr Adhikari, urged party supporters to shun violence.
At least two people were killed and 433 arrested in incidents related to post-election violence in the state. One death was reported from Nanoor in Birbhum district, while another from the New Town area on the northeastern outskirts of Kolkata. While BJP worker Madhu Mondal died after he was allegedly beaten up by Trinamool Congress cadre during a victory parade in New Town on Tuesday (5 May 2026) evening, Trinamool worker Abir Sheikh was hacked to death by alleged BJP activists in Birbhum on the same day. There have been reports of other deaths in the violence, including one in Howrah, which has yet to be confirmed by the police.
Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday (May 6, 2026) directed the West Bengal Chief Secretary, DGP and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) deployed in the state to ensure zero tolerance for post-election violence. He ordered the relevant authorities to immediately arrest those involved in the violence and vandalism.
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The Trinamool Congress condemned the death of Rath as well as the TMC workers who were killed in the violence across the state. “We strongly condemn the brutal killing of Chandranath Rath in Madhyamgram this evening along with the killing of three other TMC workers in incidents of post-poll violence allegedly perpetrated by BJP-backed criminals over the last three days despite the Model Code of Conduct being in force,” the party said in a statement.
“We demand the strongest possible action in this matter, including a court-monitored CBI investigation, so that those responsible are identified and brought to justice without delay. Violence and political killings have no place in a democracy and the culprits must be brought to justice as soon as possible,” it added.
Published – May 7, 2026 0:35 AM IST
