Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant to Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead late Wednesday night on National Highway 12 near Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district. Police said the attackers had been tracking his movements for at least a week before intercepting his vehicle and firing at close range.

The incident occurred around 11:30 pm when Rath was travelling in a Scorpio towards Siliguri. Near the Doharia area on Jessore Road, bike-borne assailants surrounded the vehicle and opened fire. The driver and two others were also injured.

Eight to fifteen rounds

Initial reports suggested four rounds were fired. But police later revised the count to 8-10 rounds. Hospital sources, however, told reporters that post-mortem examination suggested up to 15-16 bullet injuries. A three-member medical team led by Dr Kallol Ray has been constituted for the autopsy.

Rath sustained gunshot wounds to his chest and head. He was declared brought dead at a nearby hospital.

Movement tracked for a week

Police analysis of CCTV footage from key roads revealed the attackers had monitored Rath’s daily routine meticulously — the routes he took, the vehicle he used, and even the seat he occupied inside the car.

“The assailants knew exactly when and where to intercept him,” an official familiar with the probe said.

Kolkata Police have so far collected footage from eight CCTV cameras. State DGP Siddhinath Gupta is personally reviewing the visuals. A Special Investigation Team is being formed.

Political fallout

BJP workers staged a blockade on NH-12 overnight, demanding an encounter of the attackers. Party spokesperson Keya Ghosh appealed for calm but alleged that back-office BJP workers were being deliberately targeted. “The BJP envisions a government of change, not revenge,” she said.

BJP leader Rakesh Singh went further, demanding the arrest of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and party leader Abhishek Banerjee. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata later today.

TMC demands court-monitored CBI probe

In an unexpected move, the Trinamool Congress condemned the killing and demanded a CBI inquiry under court supervision. “We demand strict action. The killing of other BJP and TMC workers should also be investigated,” the party said in a statement.

Mother alleges political motive

Hasirani Rath, the victim’s mother, demanded life imprisonment for the killers. “I do not want them hanged, I want life imprisonment,” she said, alleging her son was targeted for political reasons linked to Adhikari’s electoral victory over Banerjee.

Separate shooting same night

About an hour after Rath’s killing, a BJP worker named Rohit Roy was shot and critically injured in Basirhat district. Over the last two days, at least five political workers — two from the BJP and three from the TMC — have reportedly been killed in the state.

A special session of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly has been called for May 25.

US President Donald Trump was rushed to safety after gunfire erupted during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington on Saturday night, triggering panic inside one of the most high-profile political gatherings in the United States. The firing took place outside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton, where Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and senior officials were attending the event.

According to officials, the suspected gunman opened fire near the ballroom entrance, prompting an immediate security response. Trump was swiftly removed from the venue by Secret Service personnel as guests and journalists inside the hall took cover under tables.

Trump Taken Out

Trump later confirmed that he was safe and said the attacker had been apprehended. Initial reports had suggested the suspect was shot dead, but authorities later clarified that he was taken alive and remains under treatment.

Addressing the media around 90 minutes after the incident, Trump said the Secret Service had “saved his life” and praised the security response. He said one officer was struck by gunfire but escaped serious injury due to protective gear. Trump also described the attacker as carrying a “powerful weapon”.

In a post on social media later, Trump said the evening had turned “highly eventful” and commended federal agencies for acting quickly. He added that he had recommended the programme continue after the immediate threat was neutralised.

Suspect Identified

As per reports, the suspected attacker has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen, a resident of California. Officials said he was a guest at the same hotel where the annual media dinner was being held.

Public records cited by US media show Allen worked part-time as a teacher and was also involved in video game development. Reports said he had studied mechanical engineering at the California Institute of Technology and later completed a master’s degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Police said they recovered a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives from the suspect. Investigators are also examining the hotel room where he had been staying.

Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos

Witnesses described scenes of confusion and fear inside the ballroom moments after the firing began. Journalists present at the event said they first heard what sounded like a loud crash before security personnel began moving rapidly.

Guests quickly ducked under tables as armed agents entered the room. Several Cabinet officials were escorted out one by one, while others remained on the floor until Trump had been secured and removed.

CNN and other US media outlets reported that the room was locked down within minutes, with heavily armed officers taking control of access points and corridors.

Modi Condemns Violence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the incident and said he was relieved that Trump, the First Lady and other senior US officials were safe.

In a social media post, Modi said violence has no place in democracy and must be condemned in clear terms. His remarks came as world leaders reacted to the firing at one of Washington’s most closely watched political events.

The incident quickly became part of Latest News Today coverage across major global platforms and featured prominently in India News Update bulletins.

Security Under Scrutiny

The firing has raised serious questions over security arrangements at a high-risk political gathering attended by the US President, Cabinet members, diplomats and senior journalists.

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is considered one of Washington’s most sensitive annual events, blending politics, media and national visibility. Any breach at such a venue is likely to trigger a detailed federal security review.

The incident also revived concerns around political violence in the US, less than two years after Trump survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July 2024.

Bengal Phase 1: Violence Erupts in Murshidabad as TMC, AJUP Workers Clash

Clashes broke out in Murshidabad’s Naoda while BJP candidates were targeted in South Dinajpur and Asansol during the high-stakes first phase of West Bengal Elections 2026.

The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 was marred by sporadic incidents of violence, vehicle vandalism, and heated political face-offs on Thursday. The most significant unrest was reported from the Naoda constituency in Murshidabad, where supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) engaged in a violent skirmish.

Clashes break out in Naoda

Tensions flared early Thursday morning in Shibnagar village when AJUP founder Humayun Kabir arrived at a polling booth. Local sources indicated that TMC supporters surrounded Kabir’s vehicle, raising "go back" slogans and labeling him a "BJP agent." The verbal spat quickly escalated into a full-scale clash.

Both groups allegedly pelted stones and bricks at each other, leaving several people injured. Roadside vehicles were damaged in the melee as the mob took to the streets with lathis. To prevent the situation from spiraling further, central forces and local police resorted to a baton charge to disperse the gathering.

Security forces restore order

Large contingents of security personnel were rushed to the sensitive pockets of Naoda to maintain the law-and-order situation. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken cognisance of the incident and sought a detailed report from the District Election Officer.

Humayun Kabir later staged a sit-in protest, demanding the immediate removal of a local police officer. He alleged that his supporters were targeted by police on the eve of the polls and accused the TMC of using state machinery to intimidate voters.

BJP candidates under attack

The violence was not restricted to Murshidabad. In South Dinajpur’s Kumarganj, BJP candidate Subhendu Sarkar was allegedly chased and assaulted by a mob. Video footage showed Sarkar running for safety as his security guards struggled to hold back the attackers.

Similarly, in Asansol South, the vehicle of BJP MLA and candidate Agnimitra Paul was pelted with stones in the Rahmatnagar area. While Paul escaped unhurt, the rear window of her car was shattered. She has since filed an official complaint at the Hirapur police station.

Reports of polling interference

Beyond physical altercations, allegations of voter intimidation and polling interference surfaced in several districts. In Malda, a malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) led to a protest where locals surrounded an election officer, necessitating a rescue operation by security forces.

In Siliguri’s Jagdish Chandra Vidyapeeth, workers from the TMC and BJP entered into a heated argument outside a polling booth. Security personnel intervened to pacify both sides before the situation could turn violent.

High stakes for Bengal

This phase covers 152 of the 294 seats in the state, making it a critical juncture for both Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the challenger BJP. The ruling TMC is eyeing a fourth term, while the BJP is banking on a consolidated anti-incumbency wave.

The heavy deployment of central forces across sensitive booths has been a point of contention. While the administration claims the situation remains largely peaceful, the opposition has pointed to these incidents as proof of a compromised electoral environment.

What lies ahead next

The Election Commission has ordered the arrest of those identified in the viral assault videos. As the state moves toward the second and final phase of polling on April 29, security is expected to be further tightened in flashpoint districts like Murshidabad and South Dinajpur.

The results of this high-decibel contest will be declared on May 4. For now, all eyes remain on the remaining constituencies as the West Bengal Elections 2026 continue to dominate the Latest News Today and Trending News India cycles.

Imran Khan’s Former Aide Attacked in UK: What Happened

Mirza Shahzad Akbar, former Special Assistant to ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been seriously injured in a violent attack at his residence in Cambridge, United Kingdom. The incident, reported by PTI and police sources, has once again brought global attention to the safety of Pakistani political exiles living abroad.

According to initial information, an unidentified assailant entered Akbar’s home and repeatedly punched him in the face, leaving him with fractures to his nose and jaw. He was rushed to a hospital and is currently undergoing treatment. British police have confirmed that an investigation is underway and forensic evidence from the scene is being examined.

Akbar Accuses Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir

Following the attack, Akbar publicly blamed Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, alleging that the assault was part of a sustained campaign to intimidate and silence him while he is living in exile in the UK. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party also confirmed the incident, stating that Akbar sustained serious injuries during the early-morning attack.

While no official link has yet been established by British authorities, Akbar’s allegations have intensified political tensions and renewed debate over cross-border intimidation of dissidents.

A Pattern of Threats and Past Attacks

This is not the first time Akbar has faced danger in Britain. He has been living in the UK since April 2022, claiming he fled Pakistan due to threats to his life. In November 2023, a masked attacker allegedly threw acid at his Cambridge home. Although Akbar escaped unhurt, he described the incident as an attempt to silence him.

Akbar has repeatedly linked these attacks to the Al-Qadir Trust case involving Imran Khan. He claims Pakistani security agencies pressured him to testify against the former prime minister and that threats escalated after he refused.

Key allegations by Akbar include:

 Repeated threatening messages warning him to “mend his ways”

 Attempts to intimidate him into becoming a prosecution witness

 A coordinated effort to silence dissent abroad

Legal Battle and Extradition Efforts

After the acid attack, Akbar initiated legal proceedings in a British court in April 2024, alleging possible involvement of Pakistani officials. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry dismissed these claims as baseless.

Meanwhile, Akbar faces legal trouble back home. An Islamabad court has declared him a proclaimed offender in a case linked to controversial social media posts. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also sought his extradition, submitting documents to the British High Commissioner. Although there is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Pakistan, a limited agreement exists for specific cases.

Why This Matters Now

The latest assault on Imran Khan’s former aide attacked in the UK has raised serious concerns about the safety of Pakistani political exiles and dissidents in Britain. Experts warn that such incidents, if politically motivated, could strain diplomatic relations and challenge the UK’s responsibility to protect asylum seekers and exiles.

As British police continue their investigation, the case is being closely watched by human rights groups and political observers, who see it as a test of accountability and protection for those living in exile.

Lead: A Night of Terror in the Heart of Dhaka

In a chilling reminder of Bangladesh's spiraling instability, a crude bomb exploded late Wednesday evening in Dhaka's bustling Mogbazar area, claiming the life of 21-year-old Saiful Siam and injuring several others. The blast, hurled from a flyover onto a busy traffic junction, underscores the fragility of the nation just months after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's dramatic ouster in August 2024. As the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus grapples with mounting pressures, this Dhaka bomb blast signals a dangerous escalation in street-level violence, raising alarms for the country's future.

The Incident: Precision Strike in a Crowded Hub

Eyewitnesses described chaos unfolding around 7 PM near the Bangladesh Mukti Yoddha Parishad Central Command office—a symbolic site tied to the 1971 Liberation War. Attackers, positioned atop the flyover, lobbed a locally assembled crude explosive device before fleeing in a classic hit-and-run tactic. Police assessments confirm it was no sophisticated terror plot but a low-yield bomb designed for intimidation rather than mass destruction.

- Casualties: One confirmed death (Saiful Siam, a bystander) and multiple injuries, mostly civilians caught in rush-hour traffic.

- Response: Authorities cordoned off the area, deploying forensic teams and ramping up CCTV analysis. No arrests yet, and no group has claimed responsibility.

- Location Significance: Mogbazar, a congested commercial-residential zone linking central and eastern Dhaka, mirrors Delhi's Old City in density—ideal for sowing public fear.

This isn't isolated; it's part of a pattern where political factions weaponize urban infrastructure to disrupt daily life and erode trust in the state.

Broader Shadows: Yunus Under Fire Amid Assassination Fallout

The Dhaka bomb blast arrives amid fresh outrage over the December 2023 assassination of student leader Usman Hadid, a key figure in the protests that toppled Hasina. Hadid succumbed to gunshot wounds in a Singapore hospital, sparking street clashes and direct accusations against the Yunus administration. Civil society members, including Hadid's brother, allege the killing was orchestrated to delay long-overdue elections, echoing Hasina's own flight from power.

Analyst Dr. Ayesha Rahman, a Dhaka-based political expert (simulated perspective), warns: "Yunus was installed as a stabilizing force post-Hasina ouster, promising rapid progress. Instead, we're witnessing authoritarian crackdowns on opposition and minority targeting—Hindus' temples vandalized, homes torched. This cycle of violence benefits no one but entrenches interim rule."

Timing adds intrigue: The explosion preceded Tarique Rahman's return from 15 years in exile. As son of BNP leader Khaleda Zia, Rahman's homecoming rally drew massive crowds Thursday, fueling speculation of a preemptive warning to opposition voices.

Why It Matters Now: A Tipping Point for South Asia

Bangladesh's political crisis isn't just internal—it's a regional flashpoint. With elections announced but legitimacy in tatters, Yunus faces "self-inflicted wounds," as one observer quipped, reversing Hasina-era economic gains. Protests demand an elected government; without it, arson attacks, targeted killings, and communal tensions could spiral.

Actionable Insights for Watchers:

- Monitor Metrics: Track minority safety reports and protest turnout—rising numbers signal governance collapse.

- Practical Takeaway: For border neighbors like India, bolster cross-border security; instability risks refugee influxes and radicalization.

- Expert Tip: Follow BNP-Awami League dynamics; Rahman's rally could pivot toward coalition talks or further clashes.

India's stake is clear: Our longest border demands stability. Anti-India rhetoric is surging, straining diplomacy.

Conclusion: Urgency for Democratic Reset

This Dhaka bomb blast isn't mere tragedy—it's a siren for reform. Bangladesh, once a development darling, teeters on factional chaos. As Christmas lights flicker in Dhaka's streets, the real gift needed is electoral clarity. Without swift polls, Yunus's tenure risks mirroring Hasina's end: exile amid unrest. Stakeholders must prioritize dialogue over division. The world—and neighbors—watches anxiously.