A personal assistant to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari was shot dead on Wednesday evening in Madhyamgram town, North 24 Parganas district. According to police, gunmen on a motorcycle followed Rath's car, opened fire at close range and hit him in the head, chest and leg; he was pronounced dead at the hospital. A passenger in the vehicle and the driver sustained injuries and were taken to SSKM Hospital for treatment.

The incident occurred less than 48 hours after the BJP secured 207 of 294 seats in the West Bengal assembly election, ending the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government's rule. Both parties condemned the killing; the BJP accused the TMC of orchestrating the attack, while the TMC called for a court‑monitored CBI investigation and denied involvement.

Police said they will examine CCTV footage to identify the motorcycle rider and other assailants. The state’s Director General of Police reported receiving 50‑60 complaints related to post‑poll violence, and the BJP has urged swift legal action against those responsible.

The investigation remains ongoing, with the CBI likely to be tasked to probe the case, and authorities have pledged heightened security measures in the region as tensions persist.