Kolkata, May 7: Fresh tension gripped several pockets of West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district on Thursday after the murder of a close associate of senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari triggered protests and heightened political confrontation in the state.
Police strengthened security arrangements in Madhyamgram, Doharia and nearby areas after angry BJP supporters took to the streets demanding immediate action against those responsible for the killing. Authorities said additional personnel were stationed in vulnerable locations to prevent any escalation of unrest.
Senior officers urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. According to police officials, surveillance has been increased in sensitive zones while continuous patrolling is being carried out to maintain law and order.
The deceased, identified as Chandranath Rath, was considered a close aide of Adhikari and was reportedly attacked late Wednesday night near Doltala in Madhyamgram. Preliminary findings suggest that unidentified assailants on motorcycles intercepted his vehicle around 10.30 pm before opening fire and fleeing the scene.
The incident sparked sharp reactions from BJP workers, who described the killing as a deliberate political attack. Protesters gathered in several areas demanding swift arrests and stricter action against those involved. Party supporters claimed the murder has created fear among local residents and accused criminal groups of operating openly.
Some BJP leaders also demanded an investigation by a central agency, alleging that the crime reflected worsening political violence in the state following the recently concluded assembly elections.
Police officials confirmed that raids are underway in multiple locations to trace the attackers. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage collected from nearby roads and establishments to identify suspects and reconstruct the sequence of events.
Authorities stated that no accused would be spared and assured that the investigation was being treated with utmost priority.
The killing has intensified the already heated political atmosphere in West Bengal, coming just two days after the announcement of the fiercely contested assembly poll results. The BJP accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of encouraging retaliatory violence, while the TMC rejected the allegations and claimed its workers too had faced attacks in different districts after the elections.