Chandranath Rath, a former Indian Air Force officer turned close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in a late-night attack near Kolkata airport in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. The incident has sparked a major political and law-and-order controversy across the state.
Background of the Victim
Chandranath Rath, aged around 41-42, was not just a political associate but a former Indian Air Force personnel who served nearly two decades before taking voluntary retirement. He later moved briefly into the corporate sector before entering political coordination under Suvendu Adhikari. Originally from Chandipur in Purba Medinipur, Rath came from a family with deep local political connections. Sources say his family, like Adhikari's, was earlier associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) during its early expansion phase before switching allegiance to the BJP around 2020. Rath was closely linked to Suvendu Adhikari's political journey and gradually became a trusted backroom operator, handling administrative duties, organisational coordination, logistics, and communication with party workers and legislators, often staying away from public visibility.
Details of the Attack
Investigators said Chandranath Rath was travelling back to his Madhyamgram residence with aide Buddhadeb Bera when attackers intercepted their SUV around 10.30 pm. The attackers allegedly used motorcycle-borne shooters and another blocking vehicle to execute a coordinated ambush. Police suspect that at least six to ten rounds were fired during the attack, and preliminary forensic indications suggest the possible use of sophisticated weapons. A senior officer noted, "A weapon of this nature is generally not used by ordinary criminals. We are examining whether professional shooters or contract killers were involved." Officials also recovered a four-wheeler from the crime scene, but the number plate attached to the vehicle was found to be fake and tampered with, raising suspicion that the attackers used false identification to evade tracing after the operation.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitness accounts described the attack as highly coordinated and professional. One witness stated, "Just as Chandra's car crossed mine, it suddenly stopped midway, and a bike-borne person came and started shooting from the left side of the car. The shooter seemed to be an expert and fled immediately. The shots were fired at point-blank range." Chandranath Rath sustained fatal bullet injuries to the chest and abdomen, with doctors confirming that bullets penetrated vital organs. His driver, Buddhadeb Bera, also suffered multiple injuries and remains under treatment in critical condition after being rushed to a nearby hospital where Rath was declared brought dead.
Political Reactions and Investigation
The killing, which came just days after the West Bengal assembly poll results, has intensified political tensions. Suvendu Adhikari called it a "cold-blooded and pre-planned murder" and alleged reconnaissance before the attack. He said, "This is the result of 15 years of Mahajungle Raj in Bengal." The BJP and TMC continue to trade allegations, while police intensify their investigation using CCTV footage and seized evidence. The incident has also drawn attention to the use of advanced weapons, including Glock 47X pistols, and the involvement of multiple assailants on motorcycles. The investigation is ongoing, with police making arrests and examining forensic evidence.
