Five BJP Workers Injured in Panihati Bomb Attack Hours After Killing of Suvendu Adhikari Aide

Five Bharatiya Janata Party supporters were injured in a bomb blast in Panihati, North 24 Parganas, late on Wednesday night, police said. The incident, near Kolkata, followed the shooting of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's aide Chandranath Rath earlier that day. The twin incidents have sharpened political tensions in West Bengal and triggered a detailed police investigation with reinforced security in the affected locality.

The BJP has claimed that workers were attacked as part of retaliatory political violence after Chandranath Rath’s killing. Leaders accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of targeting BJP supporters in Panihati. The Trinamool Congress rejected these allegations and denied any involvement. Political exchanges between the two parties intensified through Thursday as police teams continued inquiries on the ground.

Bomb blast in Panihati West Bengal BJP supporters injured near school

According to police, the bomb blast took place close to St Xavier's Institution in Panihati. Unidentified persons allegedly hurled crude bombs at a group of BJP workers gathered there. At least five people were injured and taken to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Doctors at the hospital were treating the injured through the night, officials said.

Local sources stated that BJP workers were speaking with residents on Dutta Road in Ward number 2 when the attack occurred. A group of motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly arrived at the spot and threw bombs before speeding away. Residents reported panic in the neighbourhood after the explosions, while police teams cordoned off the stretch for forensic examination and evidence collection.

Bomb blast in Panihati West Bengal BJP supporters case under investigation

A senior police official said, "We have started an investigation and are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to identify those involved. Raids are being conducted to nab the accused." Officers from the local police station, along with a team from the Criminal Investigation Department, inspected the blast site and nearby roads for clues.

Security in Panihati has been stepped up after the bomb blast and the earlier shooting. The officer said, "We are maintaining strict vigil and appealing to people not to spread rumours. Necessary steps are being taken to maintain peace," adding that additional forces were deployed to prevent any further clashes or gatherings that could raise tensions.

The attack came only hours after Chandranath Rath, personal aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead near Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas by motorcycle-borne assailants. A CID West Bengal team later visited that crime scene as part of a separate probe. The area where the Panihati blast occurred is also close to the home of newly elected BJP MLA Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar Hospital rape victim, adding further sensitivity to the situation.