Tensions escalated in Kolkata as bulldozers razed multiple structures in the city’s iconic New Market on Tuesday (May 5, 2026) evening. Photo: Screengrab via X/@KBanerjee_AITC
Amid a rise in post-poll violence in West Bengal, unidentified assailants shot dead a close aide of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday (May 6, 2026).
Read: Assembly election 2026 results
The latest incident takes the number of deaths in the State linked to violence after the Assembly election results were announced on Monday (May 4, 2026) to three.
Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant of Mr. Adhikari, was reportedly shot three times at point-blank range in the Madhyamgram area. Rath was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead. Earlier in the day, Mr. Adhikari, who is the front runner for the post of Chief Minister, had appealed for calm.
The BJP registered a massive mandate in the election and Mr. Adhikari defeated Trinamool Congress leader and outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur.
A BJP worker, Madhu Mondal, died after being allegedly beaten up by Trinamool cadres during a victory procession in New Town on Tuesday (May 5, 2026) evening, while Trinamool worker Abir Sheikh was hacked to death, allegedly by BJP activists, in Birbhum the same day. There have been reports of more deaths in violence, including one in Howrah, which the police have not confirmed yet.
Several Trinamool offices have been vandalised over the past three days, while some were painted saffron to thwart attacks. The Director-General of Police, Siddh Nath Gupta, said 500 companies of Central forces remain deployed across the State to contain post-poll violence. The police have arrested 433 people across the State.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday (May 6, 2026) directed the West Bengal Chief Secretary, DGP, and Central Armed Police Forces deployed in the State to ensure zero tolerance towards post-poll violence by anyone. He directed the authorities concerned to immediately arrest those involved in violence and vandalism.
On Tuesday (May 5, 2026) night, bulldozers razed multiple structures in Kolkata’s iconic New Market, triggering panic among shopkeepers who downed shutters. According to reports, the prime target was the Trinamool’s union office, which was demolished.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand said action will be taken against police officers who were present at New Market during the incident but did not prevent it.
In a clash at the Nazat police station in Basirhat Police district, five police personnel, including two CAPF personnel, were injured. Fifteen persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The West Bengal BJP leadership, including Samik Bhattacharya and Mr. Adhikari, have urged party supporters to shun violence. Mr. Adhikari said BJP workers should not eye Trinamool party offices as illegal activities were conducted on those premises.
“I am not supporting any violence, but do not compare the situation with 2021 when the Trinamool won,” Mr. Adhikari said. He said that in 2021, over 12,000 FIRs were filed and 57 persons were killed.
(With inputs from Sreeparna Chakrabarty)
Published – May 06, 2026 10:41 am IST
