Violence continues to grip parts of West Bengal following the recent elections, with the killing of Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant and widespread unrest in Kolkata's Topsia area. The Election Commission has directed authorities to maintain zero tolerance towards post-poll violence.
Personal Assistant Shot Dead
Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant of West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead near Madhyamgram on Wednesday night. The incident has been described by the BJP as post-poll violence. Adhikari confirmed the killing, stating that Rath was ambushed by bike-borne assailants while returning home. According to eyewitnesses, eight armed men on four motorcycles chased Rath's Scorpio and opened fire after blocking its path. Rath suffered bullet injuries to his chest and stomach, while the driver was also injured. The attackers fled the scene immediately.
BJP leaders Sujay Kumar Dey and Keya Ghosh alleged that the attack was targeted and premeditated, accusing the Trinamool Congress of being behind the incident. They claimed multiple motorcycles were involved, calling it a deliberate attempt to spread fear. TMC MP Sayani Ghosh condemned the incident as extremely disturbing and urged police action.
Topsia Unrest and Arrests
In Topsia, tension erupted on Tuesday night after residents claimed miscreants assaulted local women. The two-and-a-half-hour stand-off led to newly elected Kasba MLA Javed Ahmed Khan rushing to the spot. The unrest was reportedly triggered after the daughter of one of Khan's staff was assaulted and molested. A mob gathered, and police along with central forces arrived to pacify them. Kolkata Police commissioner Ajay Nand said 40 people have been arrested for vandalism and public property damage.
BJP denied any role in the incident, while Trinamool sources claimed there was an attempt to vandalize their party office. Police deployment in the area has been increased.
EC Directives and Political Reactions
The Election Commission of India directed the West Bengal Chief Secretary, DGP, and CAPFs to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas and arrest those responsible for inciting violence. CEC Gyanesh Kumar emphasized zero tolerance after two deaths and widespread vandalism.
Meanwhile, Suvendu Adhikari held his first public meeting in Nandigram since elections, amid slogans demanding he become chief minister. He stated that the party leadership will decide, and he will vacate one seat within 10 days but vowed not to abandon his duty. He also pledged to fulfill all campaign promises.
In a related development, a Tollygunge petrol pump owner alleged that TMC-backed goons tried to barge into her property, but police and CRPF intervened. Trinamool dismissed the allegations.
