West Bengal police deployed additional forces in North 24 Parganas on Thursday after Chandranath Rath, a close aide to Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead. The killing sparked immediate protests in Madhyamgram and Doharia, prompting authorities to maintain a strict vigil in sensitive pockets to prevent further civil unrest.

Rath was intercepted near Doltala in Madhyamgram at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday by motorcycle-borne assailants. The attackers reportedly tailed Rath's vehicle, forced it to stop, and opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) described the killing as a "targeted assassination" linked to the conclusion of the 2026 Assembly elections. While BJP supporters demanded a probe by a central agency, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) countered with its own allegations of post-poll attacks on party workers across several districts.

District police officials confirmed that raids are currently underway at multiple locations to apprehend the suspects. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding areas, and senior officers stated that the probe is being conducted on a priority basis.