The brutal murder of Chandranath Rath, a personal assistant to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari, has sent shockwaves through West Bengal's political landscape. The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, has been meticulously reconstructed through police reports and eyewitness accounts, revealing a chilling sequence of events that unfolded over a span of just a few minutes.
The Day of the Attack
On the fateful morning, Chandranath Rath, 45, left his residence in Nandigram around 9:30 AM. He was driving his white Maruti Suzuki Swift, heading towards a local party office for a scheduled meeting. Unbeknownst to him, assailants had been tracking his movements for days, awaiting the opportune moment to strike.
9:45 AM: The Ambush
As Rath approached a sharp turn near the Panchayat Samity office, two motorcycles carrying four men blocked his path. Witnesses reported hearing a loud argument before gunshots rang out. Rath attempted to reverse his vehicle but was cornered by the attackers.
9:47 AM: The Fatal Shots
The assailants, wielding pistols, fired at least six rounds at close range. Three bullets struck Rath—two in the chest and one in the abdomen. Despite being critically wounded, he managed to open his car door and stumble out, crying for help. However, the attackers fled the scene immediately, leaving him bleeding on the asphalt.
9:50 AM: Emergency Response
Local residents rushed to the spot and alerted the police. An ambulance arrived within 10 minutes, but by then Rath had lost consciousness due to massive blood loss. He was rushed to Nandigram Super Specialty Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Political Fallout
The murder has ignited a political firestorm, with Suvendu Adhikari accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of orchestrating the killing. "This is a cowardly act of political violence. The TMC has created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation," Adhikari stated. The TMC has denied any involvement, calling the allegations baseless.
Investigation Underway
West Bengal Police have launched a massive manhunt, forming multiple teams to track down the perpetrators. Preliminary investigations suggest the assailants used sophisticated weapons and had prior knowledge of Rath's schedule. Forensic experts are analyzing the crime scene for fingerprints and DNA evidence.
Meanwhile, the BJP has called for a state-wide bandh to protest the killing, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. The incident has further escalated tensions in the politically volatile state, where violence has marred the run-up to the upcoming panchayat elections.
