Chandranath Rath, Adhikari’s executive assistant, was shot dead in an attack at Madhyamgram

KOLKATA: The murder of Chandranath Rath , a close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, sparked a political confrontation in West Bengal on Thursday, with the BJP accusing the ruling TMC of fostering “lawlessness” in the state. The Mamata Banerjee-led party, however, rejected the allegations.

The incident comes within 48 hours of the assembly poll verdict. Motorcycle-borne assailants intercepted Rath’s vehicle near Doltala in Madhyamgram around 10.30 pm, according to preliminary information.

Senior BJP leaders on Thursday alleged that the killing reflected the “complete collapse” of law and order in the state under the TMC government, which was “thrown out of power” in the assembly polls. This shows how law and order have deteriorated under the Mamata Banerjee government, which the people of Bengal have thrown out of power,” a BJP leader said. The Trinamool Congress dismissed the allegations and accused the BJP of attempting to politicise the incident before the investigation had progressed, according to news agency PTI. The Congress demanded a transparent investigation and criticised both the BJP and the TMC for “turning every tragedy into a political battle”. “The focus should remain on arresting the killers and ensuring justice, not on political point-scoring,” a state Congress leader said. We condemn the killing and demand strict action against those involved in the crime,” a senior CPI(M) leader said

The attackers allegedly forced the vehicle to stop and opened fire at point-blank range before fleeing the scene. “A person closely associated with the leader of the opposition was targeted in a planned manner. “Violence and fear have increasingly become part of Bengal’s political culture under the TMC rule. The administration must act firmly and impartially.

Chandranath Rath, Adhikari’s executive assistant, was shot dead in an attack at Madhyamgram on Wednesday night, escalating tension in the area, according to news agency PTI.