A major political storm erupted in West Bengal after Chandranath Rath, a close aide and personal assistant to senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in a late-night attack in Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district. Investigators believe the murder was carefully planned over several days and executed with precision by armed assailants who intercepted Rath’s SUV and opened fire from both sides of the vehicle.

The incident has intensified political tensions in the state just days after the Assembly election results, with allegations and counter-allegations emerging between rival political camps. Police have launched an extensive investigation into the killing, while political leaders have demanded swift action and a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

According to preliminary investigation details, Chandranath Rath was travelling in a white Scorpio SUV late at night when multiple motorcycle-borne attackers allegedly began tailing the vehicle near Madhyamgram. Investigators suspect the attackers had prior knowledge of Rath’s route and movement pattern.

The assailants reportedly intercepted the SUV near the Doharia area before surrounding it and opening fire at close range. Police sources indicated that gunmen fired repeatedly from both sides of the vehicle, leaving Rath critically injured. His driver also sustained injuries during the attack and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

Medical officials later confirmed that Rath suffered severe bullet injuries to the chest and abdomen. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators suspect the attackers used sophisticated weapons and coordinated movement tactics, suggesting the operation may have involved trained shooters. Reports indicate that multiple motorcycles and fake number plates may have been used during the ambush to avoid identification. 

Senior police officials believe the murder may have been meticulously planned over several days. Initial findings suggest Rath’s movements were monitored before the attack was carried out.

Sources connected to the investigation stated that the attackers appeared familiar with the local terrain and executed the ambush in a manner designed to block escape routes. CCTV footage from nearby roads and traffic points is being examined to trace the suspects and reconstruct the sequence of events.

Investigators are also analysing ballistic evidence recovered from the crime scene. The nature of the firing and the close-range execution style have strengthened suspicions that the attackers were operating with detailed planning and coordination.

Chandranath Rath was considered one of Suvendu Adhikari’s most trusted associates and played a significant role in the BJP leader’s political operations in West Bengal. A former Indian Air Force personnel, Rath had reportedly joined Adhikari’s political team several years ago and became deeply involved in election management and organisational work. 

He was particularly active during high-profile political campaigns, including battles in Nandigram and Bhabanipur, where Suvendu Adhikari emerged as a prominent face of the BJP in Bengal politics. Rath was known within party circles for handling strategic coordination and logistical responsibilities.

The killing triggered sharp political reactions across West Bengal. Suvendu Adhikari described the murder as “pre-planned” and emotionally devastating, alleging that the attack was not random but a calculated assassination.

Adhikari claimed the assailants had tracked Rath’s movements for days before carrying out the shooting. He appealed to party workers and supporters to maintain calm while demanding justice for his aide.

Meanwhile, leaders from rival political parties condemned the violence and called for an impartial investigation. Demands for a high-level probe, including calls for a central agency investigation, have also surfaced amid growing concerns over political violence in the state.

The killing has once again raised serious questions about security and political violence in West Bengal. The precision of the ambush, the alleged use of professional shooters, and the attackers’ ability to flee the scene have intensified concerns over organised criminal activity linked to political rivalries.

Police teams are conducting raids in multiple locations and questioning potential witnesses as part of the investigation. Security around prominent political figures in the state is also expected to come under review following the incident.

Authorities have assured that all angles, including political rivalry, personal enmity, and organised conspiracy, are being investigated. No arrests had been officially confirmed at the time of reporting.