A key associate of West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was killed in a late-night shooting near Kolkata, sparking unrest in the area and triggering a criminal probe.

The deceased, Chandranath Dutt, who served as Adhikari’s personal assistant, was reportedly targeted while travelling in a vehicle through Madhyamgram on Wednesday night. Preliminary accounts suggest that another car pursued Dutt’s vehicle before forcing it to slow down. The attackers then allegedly fired multiple shots from close range.

Dutt sustained critical injuries, including gunshot wounds to the upper body. He was taken to a nearby medical facility but was declared dead during treatment. His driver, who was also injured in the attack, remains hospitalised in Kolkata and is said to be in serious condition.

Footage from the scene showed visible damage to the vehicle, including shattered glass consistent with bullet impact. Police teams have cordoned off the area and begun collecting forensic evidence to piece together the sequence of events.

Security was tightened around the hospital where the victims were taken, as political leaders and party workers gathered following news of the killing. Suvendu Adhikari visited the hospital soon after the incident.

The BJP has accused members of the ruling Trinamool Congress of being behind the attack, though no official confirmation has been issued by law enforcement authorities. Police have stated that investigations are ongoing and that no conclusions have been reached regarding motive or perpetrators.

The shooting comes against the backdrop of sporadic violence reported in parts of West Bengal after the BJP’s sweeping electoral win, which ended the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year tenure in power. In separate incidents earlier this week, workers from both parties were killed in clashes linked to post-election celebrations.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has reportedly directed state authorities to take swift action against those involved in post-poll violence and ensure law and order.

Officials have indicated that further details will be shared once the investigation progresses.