KOLKATA: A personal assistant of West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, Chandranath Rath, was shot dead in Madhyamgram near Kolkata, triggering a fresh political storm between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Police said Rath was travelling in a car when unidentified assailants opened fire after following his vehicle. He was hit by multiple bullets and later died, while his driver was injured.

Rath, a long-time aide of Adhikari, was considered part of his close political team. Adhikari called the incident a “cold-blooded murder” and alleged that the attackers had conducted prior surveillance.

He demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation. BJP leaders, including Adhikari’s family members, accused Trinamool Congress-linked elements of involvement, claiming a pattern of political violence in the state.

However, the Trinamool Congress denied the allegations and instead accused BJP-linked groups of provoking unrest after the election.

Police have launched an investigation and detained several people in connection with post-poll violence in the area.

The killing comes amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal following a closely contested election and a wave of accusations between rival parties.