New Delhi/Kolkata, 07 May (H.S.): Chandranath Rath, a close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday night, police said.

According to police and local sources, the incident took place near Doharia on Jessore Road in the Madhyamgram area when motorcycle-borne attackers allegedly intercepted Rath’s vehicle and opened fire.

Rath sustained serious bullet injuries and was rushed to a private hospital in Madhyamgram, where doctors declared him dead. Another person accompanying him, identified as Buddhadeb Bera, was also injured in the incident and is undergoing treatment.

Senior police officials reached the spot soon after the incident and launched an investigation. Security has been tightened in the area, police said.

The BJP alleged involvement of Trinamool Congress workers in the killing and demanded a probe by a central agency. BJP leaders described the incident as an act of political violence.

The Trinamool Congress condemned the incident and rejected the BJP’s allegations. Party leaders accused BJP supporters of attempting to create unrest following the Assembly election results.

The incident comes amid reports of post-poll tensions and sporadic clashes from different parts of the state after the declaration of election results.

Police said surveillance footage from nearby areas is being examined and efforts are underway to identify the attackers.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar