The personal assistant to a top leader from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party has been shot dead in violence that erupted after elections in West Bengal state. Chandranath Rath was killed Wednesday night while traveling home.
Rath worked for Suvendu Adhikari, the front-runner to become West Bengal's new chief minister after the BJP's historic victory Monday, ending 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule. At least three people have been killed since results were announced. Police have arrested over 400 people linked to violence and intimidation.
Rath's murder has heightened tensions, with both parties accusing each other of killing their workers. The BJP claims two of its workers killed; the TMC says three of theirs were killed. Police have not confirmed party affiliations except for Rath.
Police recovered a car used in the crime with a false license plate along with live rounds and fired cartridges. A witness said the shooter was on a motorcycle, though police haven't confirmed. The TMC condemned the killing and demanded a court-monitored investigation.
Adhikari called the murder "cold-blooded." BJP leaders blamed the deterioration of law and order under outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Banerjee alleged electoral fraud, denying the BJP's victory, claims rejected by the BJP and Election Commission.
The new chief minister is expected to be sworn in Saturday, with Adhikari as the likely candidate. The BJP won 207 of 294 seats. Violence has spread across multiple districts, with TMC accusing BJP workers of arson and vandalism, which the BJP denies.