West Bengal witnessed fresh political tension and heightened security concerns after the late-night murder of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The killing, described by investigators as an “execution-style attack,” has triggered panic and outrage across Kolkata and adjoining districts.
The incident comes at a politically volatile moment, just days after the BJP registered a sweeping victory over the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in one of the state’s most fiercely contested assembly elections. The charged political atmosphere has already seen multiple reports of violence and unrest across Bengal.
Chandranath Rath Shot Dead in Coordinated Attack
According to police sources, Chandranath Rath, 41, a former Indian Air Force employee and trusted member of Adhikari’s inner circle, was attacked late Wednesday night near Doharia in Madhyamgram, located in North 24 Parganas district.
Investigators said Rath was travelling in a white Scorpio SUV when motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly began tailing the vehicle. As the SUV slowed near a traffic signal, the attackers intercepted it and opened fire from both sides of the car while Rath was still seated inside.
Doctors later informed police that Rath suffered bullet injuries to the chest and abdomen, with shots piercing his heart. He was declared dead shortly after being taken to hospital.
The SUV driver was also injured in the attack and was initially admitted to a hospital in Madhyamgram before being shifted to Kolkata for advanced treatment.
Police Suspect Professional Hit
Police officials believe the killing was highly planned and professionally executed.
According to investigators, Rath appeared to be the sole target of the attack. Officers noted that the gunmen fired with unusual precision, as most bullets struck Rath directly while causing minimal damage to the SUV itself.
A senior officer involved in the investigation reportedly stated that the attackers demonstrated expert coordination and accurate shooting skills, suggesting extensive preparation before the assassination.
Investigators suspect the attackers conducted reconnaissance over several days before carrying out the murder.
Eyewitness Recounts “Point-Blank” Shooting
An eyewitness described the attack as sudden and carefully orchestrated.
According to the witness, Rath’s SUV had just crossed another vehicle when it abruptly stopped and one of the attackers fired at close range from the left side. The assailant then fled immediately after firing multiple rounds.
The witness recalled hearing at least two gunshots during the incident, which reportedly took place between 10:30 pm and 11 pm, only a short distance from a nearby hospital.
Tampered Vehicle Adds Mystery to Investigation
West Bengal police have intensified their investigation by reviewing CCTV footage from Jessore Road and questioning local shopkeepers and residents who may have seen the attackers.
Director General of Police Siddhinath Gupta confirmed that investigators seized a suspicious Nissan Micra believed to have been used during the operation.
According to officials, the hatchback was allegedly used to block Rath’s SUV before the shooting. The attackers are believed to have escaped in the same vehicle before abandoning it in a deserted location.
Police later discovered that the vehicle’s registration number had been tampered with. The number reportedly belonged to another vehicle registered in Siliguri and owned by a man identified as William Joseph, whose car was found parked safely hundreds of kilometres away from the crime scene.
Authorities have also recovered live cartridges and spent bullet casings from the area.
Suvendu Adhikari Urges Calm
Following the killing, BJP supporters gathered outside the hospital, raising slogans against the ruling TMC government and demanding justice for Rath.
Addressing party workers and the media, Suvendu Adhikari acknowledged Bengal’s history of political violence but urged supporters not to retaliate.
He stated that while the investigation was still ongoing, police had informed him the murder appeared to be carefully planned and executed in cold blood. Adhikari added that investigators were still examining whether political motives were directly linked to the attack.
The BJP leader appealed to workers to maintain peace and trust the administration to deliver justice.
TMC Condemns Killing, Demands CBI Probe
The ruling All India Trinamool Congress strongly condemned Rath’s murder while also alleging that several TMC workers had been killed in recent post-election violence.
In an official statement, the party called for strict action against those responsible and demanded a court-monitored CBI investigation into the incident.
The TMC maintained that violence and political killings have no place in a democracy and urged authorities to ensure a swift and impartial probe.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Agnimitra Paul alleged that the murder was linked to the political fallout following the assembly election results.
Massive Security Deployment Across Bengal
Following Rath’s killing, police deployment has been significantly increased across Kolkata and suburban districts amid fears of further clashes.
Barricades have been set up near state border check-posts, while patrolling has intensified in sensitive areas. Authorities are also closely monitoring social media platforms amid concerns that inflammatory posts and videos related to the murder could worsen tensions.
Police sources said that more than 1,500 people have already been arrested since the declaration of election results earlier this week, as incidents of arson, vandalism, and political violence continue to emerge from different parts of the state.
With political tempers running high and multiple parties demanding accountability, the murder of Chandranath Rath has added another layer of uncertainty to West Bengal’s already fragile post-election atmosphere.
