Kolkata, May 7: A pall of tension has descended upon parts of West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district following the shooting death of a close associate of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari. Authorities responded by increasing security presence across the affected areas.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that additional police forces were deployed in Madhyamgram, Doharia, and surrounding localities on Thursday morning. This measure came in the wake of protests staged by BJP supporters who demanded the swift apprehension of the individuals responsible for the killing. Senior police officials have appealed to the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading rumours.
A senior West Bengal Police officer stated, “We are maintaining strict surveillance in sensitive pockets, and additional forces have been deployed. People should not pay heed to rumours.” The incident, which occurred on Wednesday night, has been described by the BJP as a “targeted assassination.” The party has expressed outrage and alleged a pattern of political violence.
Preliminary reports indicate that Chandranath Rath, the aide to Suvendu Adhikari, was intercepted near Doltala in Madhyamgram at approximately 10:30 p.m. by assailants on motorcycles. According to accounts, the assailants followed Rath’s vehicle, forced it to stop, and then opened fire before fleeing the scene.
Local BJP workers voiced their demands, stating, “We want the arrest of killers. Rath, travelling in a vehicle linked to the leader of the opposition, was shot dead. This is nothing but a planned murder. People are frightened.” Another party supporter alleged that “criminals are operating fearlessly” and called for an investigation by a central agency.
District police officials confirmed that raids are being conducted at multiple locations. They are also examining CCTV footage from nearby areas to identify the perpetrators. The police officer added, “No one will be spared. The investigation is progressing on priority.”
The killing has sent shockwaves through West Bengal’s political landscape, occurring just two days after the results of a closely contested assembly election were declared. The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of orchestrating retaliatory violence, while the TMC has countered with allegations of attacks on its own party workers in various districts.
The Chenab Times News Desk