Chandranath Rath, a 41-year-old former Indian Air Force serviceman and close aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants in the Doharia area near Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas, on the night of May 6, 2026. Police confirmed he was traveling in his vehicle when it was intercepted and he was fired upon at close range.

Rath, originally from Purba Medinipur district, had served in the Air Force for nearly two decades before transitioning into political coordination. After retiring voluntarily, he joined Suvendu Adhikari's team around 2019, initially managing ministerial office responsibilities during Adhikari's tenure under the Trinamool Congress and continuing after Adhikari's switch to the BJP in 2020. He played a key role in campaign logistics and internal party coordination, particularly during high-stakes elections including the Bhabanipur bypoll.

His family, including his mother Hasi Rath, had previously held local positions under the Trinamool Congress before aligning with the BJP. Party insiders described Rath as a trusted figure entrusted with sensitive political tasks and speculated he was being considered for greater organizational responsibility. The killing has drawn sharp reactions from BJP leaders, who have demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.

West Bengal police have registered a murder case and launched a manhunt for the attackers. The state opposition alleges political violence is escalating amid post-election tensions. The National Human Rights Commission has taken note of the incident, and the Calcutta High Court is expected to hear a related petition on May 9, 2026.