Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant, Debasish Das, was shot dead in West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur district on Monday, May 27, 2024. The incident occurred near Ketupada, close to Contai, Adhikari’s home constituency.
Das was reportedly returning home on a motorcycle when he was ambushed and shot. He sustained bullet injuries and was rushed to Contai Sub-Divisional Hospital, where he was declared dead.
Initial reports suggest a possible connection to local political rivalries. The area has a history of clashes between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Adhikari being a prominent BJP leader and former TMC member.
Police have initiated an investigation and are examining CCTV footage from the area. They are also questioning witnesses to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Several individuals have been detained for questioning.
Suvendu Adhikari has alleged a conspiracy and accused the TMC of being involved in the murder. He claimed Das was a dedicated worker and his death was a result of political vendetta. TMC leaders have denied any involvement and suggested the incident could be a result of internal disputes within the BJP.
The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with both the BJP and TMC engaging in accusations and counter-accusations. Security has been increased in Purba Medinipur district to prevent further escalation of violence.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought a report from the state administration regarding the incident. The ECI is closely monitoring the situation in West Bengal, particularly in light of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
Debasish Das was considered a close aide to Adhikari and played a significant role in managing his political activities in the region. His death has been widely mourned by BJP workers and supporters. The investigation is ongoing to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
