Kolkata: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) examining the murder of Chandranath Rath, a close associate of West Bengal BJP leader and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has uncovered evidence that the assailants possessed detailed prior knowledge of Rath’s position inside his vehicle at the time of the attack.
According to police sources, the gunmen executed the killing with remarkable precision on Wednesday night as Rath was returning home. The entire operation on a busy road in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas district, was completed in just 45 to 50 seconds, pointing to meticulous planning.
A senior SIT officer noted that the shooters appeared to know exactly where the target was seated, describing the assault as swift and professionally coordinated. Investigators believe the bike-borne gunmen were brought in from outside West Bengal to carry out the hit.
Three individuals have been detained in connection with the murder and are currently being questioned, though no arrests have been made so far. Police suspect at least eight people were involved overall, including local criminal elements who provided logistical support to the external shooters.
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The attackers employed multiple stolen vehicles in their operation. A silver-coloured car reportedly blocked Rath’s vehicle near the Doharia crossing in Madhyamgram. The assailants then fled using a red vehicle and motorcycles. CCTV footage reviewed by investigators shows another vehicle trailing the silver car used in the blockade.
One motorcycle was recovered near the No. 11 rail gate area in Barasat on Friday morning, while another had been found earlier close to the crime scene. Preliminary inquiries indicate that the red car and the motorcycles involved had been stolen prior to the incident.
Two police teams have been dispatched to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, as authorities suspect the sharpshooters originated from those states. Officers are continuing to analyse movement patterns, escape routes, and additional CCTV evidence from the area.