Kolkata : BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide and personal assistant, Chandranath Rath, was shot dead in what investigators suspect was a carefully planned murder. Sources said three local history sheeters are currently being questioned by police, though the main assailants remain absconding. Rath, who had worked closely with Adhikari for several years, came under attack on Wednesday night in Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district.
The pattern of the crime suggests extensive planning. Investigators believe the attackers conducted a recce of the area beforehand and mapped out an escape route before carrying out the killing. Early findings indicate Rath Scorpio was being followed by two vehicles, a silver-colour Santro car bearing registration number WB74AX2270 and a motorcycle.
At least 10 rounds struck Rath, with bullets hitting his chest, abdomen and head. Eyewitnesses told police that the motorcycle used in the attack carried no registration plate, strengthening suspicions of a premeditated hit. “Someone followed his car and when it slowed down, they opened fire,” a source said while describing the sequence of events.
Officials cautioned that forensic analysis would determine the exact weapon used in the attack. Forensic teams also reached the murder spot to collect evidence, especially bullet shells. Visuals from the crime scene showed bullet marks on the car window, highlighting the intensity of the firing. Police teams recovered empty cartridges and live bullets from the area.
Read Also : Operation Sindoor Proves India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Is More Than a Slogan, Says Former DGMO Lt Gen Ghai