Kolkata, May 7 (Udaipur Kiran): BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant Chandranath Rath was shot dead late Wednesday night in West Bengal’s Madhyamgram area of North 24 Parganas district amid continuing post-election violence in the state.
According to reports, Chandranath Rath was travelling in a Scorpio vehicle through the Doharia area when another car allegedly followed his vehicle for some time. The car later overtook the Scorpio and slowed down, forcing Rath’s vehicle to reduce speed. Soon after, bike-borne attackers came close to the vehicle and opened fire.
Nearly 10 rounds were reportedly fired during the attack. Chandranath suffered multiple bullet injuries and was taken to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead. BJP leaders claimed that five bullets were removed from his body.
Police sources said two vehicles, including a four-wheeler and a motorcycle, were involved in following Rath’s vehicle. After the Scorpio slowed down, the attackers allegedly opened fire from close range. Three bullets reportedly hit Rath in the chest, stomach and head.
Eyewitnesses told police that the motorcycle used in the attack had no registration plate, raising suspicion that the murder was pre-planned.
The driver of the vehicle was also injured in the firing and is undergoing treatment at Kolkata’s SSKM Hospital. His condition is stated to be critical.
Sources said cartridges recovered from the spot indicate that a small firearm, possibly an Austria-made Glock pistol, may have been used in the attack. However, investigators said the exact weapon would be confirmed only after forensic examination.
Police recovered empty cartridges and live bullets from the scene. CCTV footage from Jessore Road and nearby areas is being examined to trace the suspects.
West Bengal DGP Siddharth Nath Gupta said a vehicle linked to the case had been intercepted. He said the vehicle’s number plate had been tampered with and police recovered used cartridges and live ammunition from it.
Chandranath Rath had reportedly been associated with Suvendu Adhikari for several years and was actively involved in political activities. BJP leader Keya Ghosh claimed that Rath was targeted because of his political role.
The incident has triggered a political controversy in the state. BJP leaders accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of involvement in the murder. BJP MLA Tarunjyoti Tewari alleged that while BJP leaders were giving a message of peace, TMC had committed a major mistake.
TMC condemned the killing and denied the allegations. In a statement, the party said there is no place for violence and political murders in democracy and demanded punishment for those responsible.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
