Adhikari Calls Aide’s Murder a Planned and Cold-Blooded Attack

Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday described the killing of his close aide Chandranath Rath as a “cold-blooded murder” and accused the ruling All India Trinamool Congress of creating what he termed a “Mahajungle raj” in West Bengal over the past 15 years.

Rath, who served as Adhikari’s executive assistant, was shot dead in a brazen attack at Madhyamgram in the North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday night, just two days after the declaration of the state assembly election results.

The killing has triggered strong political reactions and heightened tensions in the area, with BJP leaders demanding a thorough investigation and stronger law enforcement measures.

Speaking to reporters, Adhikari said preliminary findings suggest that the assailants had carried out a recce before executing the attack. However, he refrained from drawing any final conclusions regarding the motive or identities of those involved.

The incident has intensified the political atmosphere in the state, where allegations of post-poll violence and targeted attacks have dominated public discourse following the elections.

Police officials have launched an investigation into the shooting and are examining possible angles, including political rivalry and personal enmity. Security arrangements in the region have also reportedly been tightened in the aftermath of the incident.