High-Profile Murder Investigation Launched in West Bengal Following BJP Aide's Death

Murder Investigation Unfolds in Kolkata

Kolkata, May 7: The murder of Chandranath Rath, a close associate of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, has ignited a significant investigation in West Bengal.

Authorities are exploring the possibility of a professional hit after Rath was fatally shot by unknown assailants in North 24 Parganas late Wednesday night. The post-mortem examination commenced at Barasat Government Medical College and Hospital on Thursday morning, under strict security measures.

Initial reports indicate that Rath was driving through the Doltala area in Madhyamgram around 10:30 PM when assailants on motorcycles intercepted his vehicle and opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene.

Witnesses informed investigators that a small car initially blocked Rath's vehicle near Doharia junction, allowing one of the attackers to approach and fire multiple shots.

Police personnel investigate after BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's PA Chandranath Rath was allegedly shot dead, in North 24 Parganas district. (Photo: PTI)

Buddhadeb Bera, the driver of the vehicle, also suffered gunshot wounds and is currently receiving treatment at a Kolkata hospital, according to police reports.

Investigators believe that between six to ten shots were fired during the incident. The attackers reportedly wore helmets and used motorcycles without license plates to evade capture.

Authorities suspect that advanced firearms may have been utilized in the murder. Forensic evidence suggests that the assailants might have employed Glock 47X pistols, which are typically not associated with common criminal activities.

“We are looking into the possibility of professional shooters being involved,” stated a senior officer from the West Bengal Police.

Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar mentioned that a suspicious vehicle, believed to have obstructed Rath’s car, was seized during the investigation, although its license plate was found to be counterfeit.

Empty cartridges and live ammunition were recovered from the crime scene, and police are still determining the motive behind the attack.

A vehicle with a shattered window after unidentified assailants allegedly shot at BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s aide, on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI)

Police teams have been dispatched to various locations, and CCTV footage from the crime scene and surrounding areas is being reviewed for potential leads.

This incident, occurring just 48 hours after the Assembly election results were announced, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Bengal.

The alleged murder has sparked a political clash between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress, with the BJP labeling it a “targeted assassination” linked to the post-election climate in the state. Conversely, the TMC has accused BJP supporters of instigating violence in several districts following the election results.

Adhikari, who arrived at the hospital shortly after the incident, described the killing as a “cold-blooded murder” and claimed that the attackers had conducted reconnaissance before executing the assault. He mentioned that he had communicated with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president Nitin Nabin regarding the situation.

Characterizing the law and order situation in Bengal as “Mahajungle Raj,” Adhikari asserted that the murder reflects a growing culture of political violence in the state. Rath had been closely associated with Adhikari for several years and was seen as a vital organizational figure within his political framework.

Family friends revealed that the bond between the two families dates back over two decades to the early days of the TMC’s emergence in Purba Medinipur. Rath officially joined Adhikari’s team around 2019 and continued in a similar capacity after Adhikari transitioned to the BJP.

Speaking to news channels on Thursday, Rath’s mother demanded life imprisonment for those responsible and alleged that her son was targeted due to his involvement in the Nandigram and Bhabanipur election campaigns.

PTI