BJP Leader Suvendu Adhikari's PA Shot Dead; Political Violence Grips State After BJP Victory in State Election

Kolkata: Chandranath Ratt, Personal Assistant to BJP Leader Suvendu Adhikari and a BJP leader himself, was shot dead on Wednesday night in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas district. He was returning home to Kolkata after attending preparations for Saturday's BJP government swearing-in ceremony when a group of attackers pursued his vehicle and opened fire at point-blank range as he sat in the front seat. Two others in the car, including the driver, were injured and hospitalised.

Suvendu Adhikari and BJP leaders rushed to the spot. Chandranath Ratt had been a close associate of Suvendu since the days both were in the Trinamool Congress. BJP has alleged that a TMC gang was responsible for the killing, and police have launched a search for the accused.

The murder has sent shockwaves through Bengal's already volatile political landscape. It follows BJP's victory in the state election — in which Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself was defeated by Suvendu — and comes amid reports that Suvendu is in line to become the new Chief Minister. With Mamata refusing to accept the verdict, widespread violence has broken out across Bengal between BJP and TMC workers since the results were declared, and the law and order situation is deteriorating rapidly.