TMC MP Saugata Roy on Thursday described the killing of BJP MLA-elect Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant, Chandranath Rath, as a deeply “tragic” incident and strongly condemned the act. Speaking to ANI, he urged the authorities to take the strictest possible action against those involved and called for a court-monitored CBI investigation into the matter. He stressed that violence has no place in a democracy and said the party has no connection with the incident, describing it as part of post-poll violence in the state.

West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya sharply criticized the state administration, claiming that there is effectively no rule of law left in West Bengal following the killing. He suggested that the incident could be linked to political revenge and pointed to what he described as a serious breakdown in law and order. According to him, the nature of the attack indicated a well-planned operation.

Reports state that Chandranath Rath was shot in Madhyamgram on Wednesday and later succumbed to his injuries in a nearby hospital. Bhattacharya alleged that the attackers conducted a detailed recce over several days before executing the murder, using a modified vehicle and a motorcycle to carry out the crime.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari also termed the killing a “cold-blooded and pre-planned murder,” appealing to party workers to remain peaceful while assuring that those responsible would be brought to justice. An eyewitness said the attacker fired at close range before fleeing the scene quickly, suggesting careful planning. The Trinamool Congress also condemned the killing and echoed demands for a court-monitored CBI probe into the incident, calling for a fair and transparent investigation.