Suvendu Adhikari's PA shot dead; eyewitness calls it 'pre-planned'

Chandra, PA to BJP's Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in a 'pre-planned' attack near Madhyamgram, says an eyewitness. The BJP has alleged a political motive, while the TMC has condemned the incident and demanded a CBI probe into the killing.

Eyewitness Recounts 'Pre-Planned' Attack

An eyewitness to the killing of Chandra, personal assistant to West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, said that the shots were fired at point-blank range and the attack appeared to be "pre-planned".

Suvendu Adhikari's PA was allegedly shot at, following which he succumbed to his injuries at a hospital near Madhyamgram. The eyewitness told ANI, "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."

Political Fallout and Allegations

Meanwhile, BJP leader Agnimitra Paul alleged a political motive behind the incident and claimed that 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 further questioned the motive behind the killing and claimed there was widespread anger among party workers and supporters. "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," she added.

Earlier, West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari termed the killing of his personal assistant a "cold-blooded and pre-planned murder" and urged the party workers to maintain peace, assuring that the culprits would be brought to justice. TMC, however, has condemned the incident and demanded a CBI probe. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)