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BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's low-key but trusted associate Chandranath Rath was killed in a targeted killing on Wednesday night in Madhyamgram. Dean of the legal profession, the ex-Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, who hails from Chandipur village in Purba Medinipur, served 19 years in the IAF before joining the team of Adhikari around 2019.

On the backroom side, known for his discipline and organization and efficiency, Rath performed the tasks of key logistics and organization for Adhikari, especially in campaign work at Nandigram and Bhabanipur. His car was attacked by several bullets, fired by several gunmen, some on bikes, close to Doharia. He was pronounced dead on arrival at a local hospital; the driver was injured.

Days of spying led to the killing, said Adhikari, adding that it was a “pre-planned cold-blooded murder." It has caused outrage in the day after election fray after the BJP's impressive victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls. Police have launched an investigation and recovered evidence from the spot. The killing has raised alarm on the dangers of political killings in the state.