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- West Bengal Violence Live Updates: 3 detained for questioning in Suvendu Adhikari aide killing; driver undergoes multiple surgeries, still critical
West Bengal Violence Live Updates: 3 detained for questioning in Suvendu Adhikari aide killing; driver undergoes multiple surgeries, still critical
The incident comes amid heightened political tension in the state following the elections. Earlier, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had directed the West Bengal Chief Secretary, DGP, and CAPFs to maintain “zero tolerance” towards any post-poll violence.
Suvendu Adhikari had previously downplayed allegations of widespread violence against the BJP, challenging critics to provide specific details of incidents. He had also accused opponents of misinformation, while the West Bengal BJP alleged that “Gunda Vahini” elements were impersonating party workers to create unrest.
The BJP, which claimed a strong electoral performance in the state, is in the process of finalising its political strategy, while tensions remain high following the results and reports of violence in several areas. Stay With TOI For Latest Updates
On Suvendu Adhikari’s PA being shot dead, BJP leader Arjun Singh said,"Government formation should be done immediately, and the situation should be brought under control."
A fake number plate, Glock 47X pistols, multiple bike-borne professional shooters, and a point-blank ambush near Kolkata airport — chilling new details have emerged in the killing of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide Chandranath Rath, as investigators probe what police and BJP leaders are calling a meticulously planned attack.
Rath, 42, who served as Adhikari’s personal assistant and executive aide for nearly five years, was shot dead late Wednesday night in North 24 Parganas when assailants intercepted his SUV near Doharia between Doltala and Madhyamgram Chowmatha, barely a few kilometres from Kolkata airport.
According to cops, Rath was returning home to Madhyamgram from Kolkata around 10.30 pm when at least four motorcycle-borne attackers, allegedly backed by another four-wheeler, surrounded and blocked his vehicle before opening fire from close range.
Police suspect six to ten rounds were fired during the attack.
Read moreAmid slogans demanding the chief ministerial post for him, Suvendu Adhikari held his first public meeting in Nandigram since elections on Thursday. As locals cheered for him, slogans of "Suvenduda apni Nandigramer, Suvenduda CM (You belong to Nandigram, you are our CM)" rang out loud, with Adhikari saying the decision was not his to make.
"The part leadership will take a call. Their decision is final. If required, I will share my opinion. I am disciplined and do not make decisions alone. Within 10 days, I must vacate one seat. But, to people of Bhabanipur and Nandigram, I say this... I will not abandon my duty," Adhikari said while addressing a gathering outside the Nandigram BJP office.
This was Adhikari's third assembly poll victory from Nandigram. In Bhabanipur, he defeated Mamata Banerjee by 15,000 votes.
Visiting Reyapara and Haripur, Adhikari pledged that he would fulfil all his campaign promises. Recalling his entry into Nandigram 20 years ago during the land acquisition protests, he described his bond with the area as symbiotic. "I was part of the 2011 change. Now, I am part of the real change. I have endured much. My 90-year-old father was harassed in the name of CID investigations. Govt sent 150 police officers to my office. In 2021 and 2022, they prevented me from honouring martyrs. I have not forgotten," Adhikari said.
Read moreMore chilling details have emerged in the killing of Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide Chandranath Rath, who was chased, trapped and shot dead by bike-borne assailants near Kolkata airport late Wednesday night.
Rath, who had served as Adhikari’s personal assistant for nearly five years, was heading towards his Michaelnagar home in Madhyamgram around 10.20 pm when the attack unfolded on a relatively deserted stretch of Jessore Road, barely three kilometres from the airport.
According to eyewitnesses and preliminary police findings, eight armed men riding four motorcycles allegedly began tailing Rath’s Scorpio soon after it crossed the airport area. Near Doharia, a small four-wheeler suddenly swerved in front of the SUV and blocked its path, forcing the vehicle to halt.
Moments later, four attackers on two bikes pulled up alongside the car and opened fire indiscriminately.
Rath suffered bullet injuries to his chest and stomach, while the driver, Buddhadeb Bera, was hit in the chest, abdomen and leg. The attackers, none of whom were wearing helmets, fled the spot immediately after the firing.
Read moreThere was tension in Topsia on Tuesday night after residents claimed some miscreants had foul-mouthed several of the local women. The two-and-a-half-hour stand-off led to former state minister and newly elected Kasba MLA Javed Ahmed Khan rushing to the spot. The unrest, sources claimed, was triggered after the daughter of one of Khan's staff was reportedly assaulted and molested. The girl has since approached Pragati Maidan Police Station to lodge a formal complaint. Police deployment in the area has been increased to keep order.
Sources claimed there was also an attempt to vandalise and take over the Pragati Maidan party office and a local club. The protest on the road, Trinamool sources claimed, was also to ensure the party office was not damaged.
Sources said it started around 9 pm when two women were reportedly assaulted near 24 Number bus stand. "The attackers said they would hang them upside down. A mob gathered and MLA Khan rushed to the spot to pacify them. Several cops arrived along with central forces. Things eventually normalised post 11.30 pm," said Sk Nadeem, a local.
"We strongly condemn the brutal attack carried out by BJP-backed miscreants in the area," Khan stated.
BJP denied any role in the incident. "We have asked cops to take action in all such cases," a BJP spokesperson said.
Kolkata Police commissioner Ajay Nand said cops stopped any escalation. "On Tuesday evening, a law-and-order problem arose in parts of Topsia and Tiljala,during which certain miscreants vandalised public property. So far, 40 people have been arrested," Lalbazar said in a statement.
No bulldozers will be allowed in any processions, both DGP SN Gupta and Kolkata Police commissioner Ajay Nand asserted on Wednesday. "Even the owners of these payloaders have been warned against renting them out. If they do, they would face legal action," Nand said.
The commissioner stated that if any police officer was found to have "not acted enough" to stop any illegal demolition — in reference to New Market — despite being present at the spot, action will follow. He spoke to reporters a day after a Trinamool hawkers' union office was demolished — along with partial damage to an adjoining meat shop — at the entrance of Gate 13 of New Market.
Five persons have been arrested and three detained in the case. The cops have decided to seize the payloader. "From now, prior permission is required for holding victory processions. Any deviations will see legal action," Nand added.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday directed the authorities to arrest those involved in post-poll violence after two deaths and widespread vandalism raised concerns over the law-and-order situation. "Instructions have been issued to the chief secretary, DGP, commissioner and directors general of central armed police forces, along with all DMs, SPs and other officials, to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas," an EC official said, quoting the CEC. "People responsible for inciting violence and vandalism must be arrested immediately."
Read moreDey alleged that “four to five individuals were riding on a motorcycle when they shot the victim,” and that multiple motorcycles were involved in the attack, calling it a planned act intended to intimidate BJP supporters. Both leaders accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of being behind the incident and demanded strict action against those responsible.
Keya Ghosh termed TMC a “vindictive party” and linked the attack to political retaliation, while also warning of consequences after a change in government. Meanwhile, TMC MP Sayani Ghosh condemned the incident as “extremely disturbing” and urged the police to take strong action, stressing that no life should be lost due to violence.
Following the incident, Suvendu Adhikari and BJP workers rushed to the hospital where the victim was declared dead.
