Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant shot dead

Amid surging post-poll violence in West Bengal, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Madhyamgram area in the State’s North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday (May 6, 2026). Chandranath Rath was shot on Wednesday night (May 6, 2026) and sustained severe injuries. He was taken to a hospital and was declared dead. He was closely associated with Mr. Adhikari for a long time.

Mr. Rath was reportedly shot three times at point blank range in the district’s Madhyamgram area.

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The shooters are yet to be identified and were reportedly bike borne. The deceased was travelling in a four-wheeler.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Adhikari had called for calm against the post-poll violence in the State. The West Bengal BJP leadership, including State president Samik Bhattacharya and Mr. Adhikari, have urged party supporters to shun violence.

At least two people were killed and 433 arrested in incidents related to post-poll violence in the State. One death was reported from Nanoor in Birbhum district while another from the New Town area on the northeastern fringes of Kolkata. While a BJP worker, Madhu Mondal, died after being allegedly beaten up by Trinamool Congress cadre during a victory procession in New Town on Tuesday (May 5, 2026) evening, Trinamool worker Abir Sheikh was hacked to death allegedly by BJP activists in Birbhum the same day. There have been reports of more deaths in violence, including one in Howrah, which the police have not confirmed yet.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday (May 6, 2026) directed the West Bengal Chief Secretary, DGP, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed in the State to ensure zero tolerance towards post-poll violence. He directed the authorities concerned to immediately arrest those involved in violence and vandalism.

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress condemned the deaths of Rath and also the TMC workers who were killed in violence across the State. “We strongly condemn the brutal murder of Chandranath Rath in Madhyamgram tonight, along with the killing of three other TMC workers in incidents of post-poll violence allegedly carried out by BJP-backed miscreants 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 guilty must be held accountable at the earliest,” it added.