Car Overtaken by Bike and Forced to Stop; Indiscriminate Firing at Close Range... What Has Been Revealed So Far in the Murder of Suvendu Adhikari's PA?

Violence in Bengal shows no signs of abating following the results of the Assembly elections. In the latest incident, miscreants shot dead Chandranath Rath—the private secretary to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari—on Wednesday night. The incident took place in Madhyamgram, located in the North 24 Parganas district. According to reports, Chandranath Rath was heading home to Michaelnagar in his SUV around 10:20 PM after wrapping up his work at the Assembly.

Meanwhile, near a biryani shop in the Doharia area of ​​Madhyamgram, a four-wheeled vehicle suddenly pulled up in front of Chandranath’s car. Before Chandranath Rath—who was seated inside the vehicle along with others—could comprehend what was happening, four assailants arriving on two motorcycles pulled up alongside the car and opened indiscriminate fire at point-blank range, targeting Chandranath.

Death Caused by Bullet Wounds to Chest and Abdomen

During the attack, Rath sustained bullet wounds to his chest and abdomen, while the driver, Buddhadev Bera, suffered injuries to his chest, abdomen, and leg. The assailants—none of whom were wearing helmets—fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Locals rushed Rath and Bera to a nearby private hospital, where doctors pronounced Rath dead. Bera was subsequently transferred to another hospital for further treatment, and his condition remains critical.

Regarding Rath’s death, doctors stated, “Two bullets had pierced his chest. Consequently, there was absolutely no chance of saving him.” Pratim Sengupta, the hospital’s owner, confirmed that Rath had already passed away by the time he was brought to the facility, while Bera was referred to another hospital for advanced medical care. Senior officers of the Bengal Police arrived at the scene immediately after the incident, and the entire area has been cordoned off to facilitate a forensic investigation.

Police Scrutinizing CCTV Footage

The police have reported that CCTV footage from the area captures the motorcycle-borne suspects fleeing the scene; investigators are currently working to identify them. Meanwhile, DGP Siddhanath Gupta, who arrived at the scene of the incident, stated that investigating officers have seized the small four-wheeled vehicle allegedly used to block the path of Rath’s SUV prior to the attack.

The DGP further added, “The vehicle’s registration number appears to belong to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Siliguri; however, our preliminary investigation suggests that the number plate has been tampered with.” Additionally, another senior police officer remarked, “It appears that the attackers were specifically targeting Rath.” He further noted that all angles—including political and personal enmity—are being investigated.

Widespread Outrage Among BJP Workers Following the Murder

This murder has sparked widespread outrage among BJP workers. Hundreds of activists gathered outside the hospital throughout the night, chanting slogans against the ruling Trinamool Congress and demanding the immediate arrest of the attackers. When senior BJP leaders and newly elected MLAs arrived at the hospital, many supporters were moved to tears. It is worth noting that Chandranath was a former Air Force serviceman.

Describing the murder as an extremely brutal and premeditated conspiracy, Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the attackers had conducted a reconnaissance of the area for several days before launching their ambush. “This was a pre-planned murder,” he asserted. He further informed that senior BJP leaders—including Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar—have spoken with the victim’s family and assured them of their full support.

Bengal BJP Chief Holds Trinamool Congress Responsible

Concurrently, Bengal BJP Chief Samik Bhattacharya held the Trinamool Congress responsible for the attack. He alleged, “This is exactly what one would expect from the Trinamool. They are the ones responsible for this death.” However, the Trinamool Congress condemned the incident and demanded a court-monitored CBI inquiry to identify those behind the murder and ensure they are punished as swiftly as possible.

Furthermore, eyewitnesses stated that the attack appeared to be highly organized and premeditated. An eyewitness told the news agency ANI that Rath’s vehicle was intercepted shortly after it had overtaken his own car; subsequently, a gunman riding a motorcycle approached from the left and opened fire from very close range. A total of eight individuals, riding four motorcycles, were involved.

Heavy Police Deployment Following the Incident

The eyewitness stated, “It appeared to be premeditated. The assailant seemed trained and fled the scene immediately after firing. I heard the sound of two gunshots.” He further added that the incident occurred between 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM, approximately 200 to 300 meters away from the hospital.