West Bengal continues to grapple with escalating political violence as another life was lost in a targeted attack. Chandra, the personal assistant to BJP’s leader of opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, was shot and killed in what authorities are calling a pre-planned assassination. The incident took place on the evening of [insert date], near Madhyamgram, a locality in West Bengal.
According to eyewitness reports, the victim was traveling by car when a bike-borne assailant pulled alongside and shot at him at point-blank range. The assailant, described as an expert, fired two rounds before quickly fleeing the scene, suggesting the attack was meticulously planned. The car’s driver was also injured in the attack. Chandra was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Eyewitness Account of the Murder
An eyewitness who was near the crime scene described the harrowing moment: "Just as Chandra’s car crossed mine, it suddenly stopped midway, and a bike-borne person came and started shooting on the left side of the car. The person seemed to be an expert and fled immediately. It appeared to be pre-planned. The shots were fired at point-blank range. I heard the sound of two rounds," the eyewitness said. The incident occurred between 10:30 PM and 11 PM, about 200 to 300 meters from a hospital.
Political Allegations and Reactions
Suvendu Adhikari condemned the attack as "a cold-blooded and pre-planned murder" and reassured his supporters that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. He called for peace among BJP workers in the wake of the incident.
Agnimitra Paul, a prominent BJP leader, linked the murder to political motives, suggesting it was a result of the anger within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) following their electoral defeat. “This is perhaps a consequence of Mamata Banerjee’s defeat in Bhabanipur,” Paul said, further noting that CCTV footage from the area was being analyzed to identify the attackers. She also highlighted Chandra’s trusted role within the BJP, adding, “He was like a brother to our MLAs and handled several important responsibilities.”
Paul questioned why Chandra, who had no direct political role, was targeted, emphasizing the shock and outrage in the community. She also pointed out a separate incident involving a BJP booth worker who was attacked and hospitalized around the same time.
TMC's Response and Call for Investigation
Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders condemned the murder but refrained from commenting on any political motives. The TMC has called for a CBI investigation into the killing, urging for a thorough inquiry. However, they did not address the specific allegations made by BJP leaders.
Rising Post-Poll Violence in West Bengal
The murder of Chandra adds to the growing list of casualties from post-poll violence in West Bengal. Since the state’s recent election results were announced, violence has claimed at least four lives across various regions, including Kolkata, Udaynarayanpur, Nanoor, and Jalpaiguri. The ongoing violence has raised serious concerns over the political climate in the state.
As the investigation into Chandra’s murder unfolds, the people of West Bengal and political leaders alike await answers regarding the growing unrest and the political motives behind these violent acts.
