West Bengal was gripped by a fresh wave of political violence on Thursday, just hours after a close aide to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari was fatally shot. The escalating tensions saw five BJP supporters injured in a separate bomb attack in Panihati, North 24 Parganas, an incident the BJP quickly attributed to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The violence began with the killing of Chandranath Rath, a prominent figure and close associate of Suvendu Adhikari. Rath was reportedly shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants, a crime that immediately drew strong condemnation and heightened political rhetoric across the state.
Later the same night, a crude bomb attack occurred near St Xavier's Institution in Panihati. According to police and local accounts, a group of BJP workers was interacting with residents on Dutta Road when assailants on motorcycles allegedly hurled bombs at them before fleeing. At least five individuals sustained injuries in the blast and were subsequently admitted to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata for treatment. The BJP has alleged that the attack was orchestrated by supporters of the Trinamool Congress.
The Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has vehemently denied any involvement in the attacks, dismissing the BJP's accusations as politically motivated.
In response to the volatile situation, law enforcement agencies have deployed significant personnel to the affected areas and initiated a thorough investigation. A senior police official confirmed that authorities are examining CCTV footage and conducting raids to apprehend those responsible. Police have also appealed to the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading rumors, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining peace and order.
Adding a layer of political significance to the Panihati incident, the bomb blast site is located in close proximity to the residence of Ratna Debnath. Debnath, a newly elected BJP MLA, is also the mother of a victim from a high-profile case at RG Kar Hospital, further intensifying the political narrative surrounding the violence.