Chandranath Rath, 38, a former Indian Air Force serviceman who served as the personal assistant to West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, was killed in a shooting. Rath, a soft-spoken and low-profile individual, had worked for Adhikari since the latter joined the BJP.
Background and Service
Rath studied at Rahara Ramakrishna Mission and served 18 years in the Indian Air Force before resigning to work with Adhikari. He maintained a low profile, with even his neighbours in Madhyamgram unaware of his close association with the politician. An academically gifted individual, he cleared the Short Service Commission and chose the IAF after schooling.
Over the years, Rath became an integral part of Mohor Kunja, the Adhikari household in Contai. He was the go-to person for political leaders and journalists seeking to reach Adhikari.
Adhikari's Statement
Adhikari expressed grief, stating, "The IAF ex-serviceman might not have been killed had he not been my PA and had I not won from Bhowanipore. His only fault was that he was Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant. Five bullets were fired at him to ensure his death." He spoke at Barasat State General Hospital, where the post-mortem was conducted.
Adhikari and his brothers Dibyendu and Soumendu were visibly emotional when Rath's hearse was taken to Chandipur. Rath's native village is Kulup in Chandipur, where his mortal remains were cremated late Thursday night.
Life in Madhyamgram
Rath moved to Madhyamgram in 2023 with his wife and teenage daughter, residing on the second floor of Block 13. Neighbours described him as reclusive. He was often seen taking his daughter to school. Even local BJP functionaries were unaware of his role. He left home at odd hours depending on work. On Wednesday, he left early morning, returned home, and left again in the evening, returning around the time Adhikari reached Kolaghat. He was a regular visitor at the BJP office on Orphungunge Road in Bhowanipore.
Threats Revealed
Rath's maternal uncle, Koushik Das, revealed that Chandranath expressed fears for his life during his visit to Chandipur on Wednesday. "He told me he was receiving threats from two WhatsApp numbers and a Facebook page. I told him not to worry, thinking things would settle down," Das said. He confirmed that details of these threats had been shared with the police.
Das alleged that the attack was meticulously planned. "We have lost a family member. This was a calculated hit, and we believe the top leadership of the opposition party is responsible," he added, demanding an immediate investigation.
