Chandranath Rath, 41, personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, on Wednesday night. Unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at point-blank range on Rath's Mahindra Scorpio, which had been intercepted by a blocking vehicle near Doharia junction, according to police and eyewitness accounts. Rath died on arrival at a private hospital with multiple bullet wounds to the chest and abdomen.

Rath was returning to his residence around 10:30 p.m. when the attackers, reportedly after conducting surveillance for two to three days, executed the ambush. The driver of the SUV sustained bullet injuries and was admitted to a hospital in Kolkata in critical condition. Preliminary investigation revealed that the attackers used a Nissan Micra—seized by police—to block the Scorpio before fleeing on a motorcycle. Bengal Director General of Police Siddh Nath Gupta confirmed that live rounds and fired cartridges were recovered, and stated the car's number plate (WB74AK2270) was fake and tampered with.

Suvendu Adhikari, speaking outside the hospital, called the killing a 'cold-blooded' and 'pre-planned murder,' alleging prior reconnaissance by the assailants. He cited assurances from the DGP of a thorough probe. Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya claimed the attack was politically motivated, intended to send a message ahead of the party's expected governance role after its recent assembly election gains. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar has since contacted Rath's family.

The West Bengal police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and are reviewing surveillance footage from the area. The investigation is ongoing, with forensic teams analyzing evidence from the crime scene. The court will resume hearing updates on the case on Friday.