Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead on Wednesday night in Madhyamgram after assailants on motorcycles opened fire on his car, which had been blocked by a vehicle with a fake number plate, police said. The attack occurred around 10:30 p.m. near Doltala, about 170 meters from Rath's home, with investigators confirming he suffered multiple bullet wounds to the chest and abdomen and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Witnesses reported two rounds fired at point-blank range, describing the shooter as a professional who fled immediately; police recovered empty cartridges and live ammunition from the scene and seized the suspect vehicle, whose chassis number appears tampered with. Motorcycles used in the attack were unlicensed and lacked number plates, and authorities are probing whether Glock 47X pistols—rarely used by common criminals—were involved.

West Bengal Director General of Police Siddh Nath Gupta confirmed the fake registration and said forensic teams are analyzing evidence, while ruling out immediate clarity on motive. BJP leaders, including Devdas Mondal and Nikhil Prasun, accused the Trinamool Congress of fostering a culture of violence, calling the killing a pre-planned act. Suvendu Adhikari condemned it as a 'cold-blooded murder' and alleged prior reconnaissance by the attackers.

The Trinamool Congress issued a condemnation on X but did not offer further comment. Law enforcement agencies have launched a manhunt for the suspects, with increased patrols and CCTV review underway across North 24 Parganas.

The West Bengal Police will reconvene a special investigation team meeting Thursday morning to assess forensic reports and finalize a suspect profile.