‘Targeted Assassination’: BJP Leaders React to Killing of Suvendu Adhikari’s Aide

The personal assistant of BJP Leader Suvendu Adhikari was allegedly shot dead near Madhyamgram late on Wednesday night, triggering sharp political reactions and allegations of a targeted political assassination from BJP leaders.

The victim, identified as Chandranath Dhar, succumbed to injuries at a nearby hospital after assailants allegedly opened fire on the vehicle he was travelling in. Police said live rounds and fired cartridges were recovered from the crime scene, while the vehicle used in the crime has also been seized.

West Bengal Director General of Police Siddh Nath Gupta said the investigation was underway and that the number plate of the seized vehicle appeared to be fake and tampered with.

“We have started the investigation. The four-wheeler used in the crime has been seized, but it is being reported that the number plate is fake and has been tampered with. We have recovered live rounds and fired cartridges from the spot. Eyewitness accounts are being recorded, and evidence is being processed. Further investigation is underway,” Gupta said.

Adhikari Calls Killing ‘Cold-Blooded and Pre-Planned’

Reacting to the incident, Adhikari described the attack as a “cold-blooded and pre-planned murder” and appealed to BJP workers to maintain peace.

“This is a pre-planned murder, and this is what DGP said. A recce was done for two to three days, and a murder was fully planned. The police initiated an investigation. We are grieving and are at lack of words for condemning this incident. Our entire leadership from Delhi has taken information about this. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar talked to the family (of the deceased) and the police. Various leaders and chosen MLAs have come here from their regions. The police have found some evidence, and they will investigate. This is the result of 15 years of Maha-Jungle Raj. BJP will start the cleansing work of the goons here,” Adhikari told reporters.

Appealing for calm, he added, “We urge all BJP workers, supporters, and those assisting our MLAs and MPs across the state not to take the law into their own hands. We will ensure that no one is left without justice or made to feel vulnerable. We appeal to everyone to maintain peace. Our colleague's body is currently at the hospital. After the post-mortem, we will hand it over to his family. We will take full responsibility for the family. Arrangements have also been made for the treatment of those injured.”

Eyewitness Says Attack Appeared ‘Planned’

An eyewitness to the shooting claimed the assailants appeared highly trained and that the attack seemed carefully orchestrated.

“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 incident occurred between 10:30 pm and 11 pm, around 200-300 metres from the hospital. The public brought the victim to the hospital, and the driver of the car was also shot,” the eyewitness told ANI.

BJP Leaders Allege Political Revenge

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar termed the incident “tragic” and said the police had made significant progress in the investigation.

“This is a tragic incident and the police are investigating the matter... The DGP has informed us that significant progress has been made in the investigation. No one will be spared. Everyone will be brought to justice through the legal process... Reports suggest that five shots were fired; let the post-mortem examination be completed first. As soon as our Chief Minister takes the oath and our government assumes power, everything will be set right--though it may take a little time,” Majumdar told ANI.

BJP leader Swapan Dasgupta alleged that the killing was politically motivated and claimed it bore the “fingerprints” of a defeated political force.

“I worked with Chandra very closely for different political campaigns. This was not an accidental death, but a pre-planned political assassination, a murder whose fingerprints will lead right to the top of a defeated party which cannot accept and reconcile itself to a devastating defeat in the elections... Chandra was at the heart of Suvendu Adhikari's political office, and therefore, this was a very carefully targeted assassination. They knew the importance of Chandra, his route, and it was planned accordingly. It was done by an assassin. It is a revenge. Since they could not win an election, they take it out through guns... A lot of people demand retaliation, but I don't agree with that. I feel we should keep the peace, but we also should deal with it in an administrative way after the government is sworn in on May 9,” Dasgupta said.

BJP leader Agnimitra Paul also alleged a political angle behind the murder and said CCTV footage was being examined.

“This is perhaps a consequence of Mamata Banerjee's defeat in Bhabanipur. CCTV footage is currently being examined. Chandra was a trustworthy individual; he oversaw operations at the Leader of the Opposition's office, was like a brother to our MLAs, and handled several responsibilities,” Paul said.

She added, “Why was a man who had absolutely no connection with the BJP murdered? There is massive outrage among the public. We sought peace, but now the family will certainly demand answers. Just a short while ago, one of our booth workers was attacked with a knife and is currently hospitalised.”

BJP Claims Targeted Attack, TMC Demands CBI Probe

BJP leader Sujay Kumar Dey alleged that the attackers specifically targeted Adhikari’s aide.

“The actions committed were completely illegal. Who is responsible for this? From Bonga to places like Rajarhat and Gopalpur, the BJP has won. Why did the BJP not win in Madhyamgram? Because they want to turn Madhyamgram into a breeding ground. This was not justified,” Dey said.

“According to our information, four to five individuals were riding on a motorcycle when they shot the victim, and the act was premeditated. Additionally, four to five motorcycles were involved in the incident,” he added.

Dey further claimed, “Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant and driver were both present in the car; however, only his personal assistant was targeted and killed. There are no reports of any other attacks.”

“They did not attack indiscriminately. They killed the specific individual they intended to target and then stopped. Through this act, they are trying to instil fear in Madhyamgram and show that power still rests with the TMC,” he alleged.

Meanwhile, the All India Trinamool Congress condemned the incident on X and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the murder.

(With inputs from ANI)