Kolkata: Bullet-Riddled Scorpio and Blood-Stained Seats Under Investigation
Bullet marks on a black Scorpio, blood-stained seats, and cartridge shells strewn across a road near Madhyamgram have become the focal point of an intense investigation into the killing of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's aide Chandranath Rath. Police suspect a pre-planned execution.
West Bengal Police on Thursday confirmed that multiple teams have been formed to trace the assailants responsible for the murder of Rath, 42, who was gunned down in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday night while returning home to Madhyamgram from Kolkata.
Forensic Evidence Collected at Crime Scene
Forensic experts and CID officers visited the crime scene early Thursday, collecting samples and examining the vehicle, which bore several bullet marks. Officers stated that circumstantial evidence suggests the attackers meticulously planned the operation.
"Going by the evidence so far, the murder appears to have been pre-planned. CCTV footage from the area and nearby routes is being scanned, and several teams are working to identify and trace the attackers," a senior officer said.
Details of the Ambush
According to police, Rath's Scorpio was intercepted around 10:15 pm near Doharia, between Doltala and Madhyamgram Chowmatha, barely 100 meters from the housing complex where he lived. Police believe a small four-wheeler deliberately blocked Rath's SUV, slowing it down, before motorcycle-borne assailants approached and opened fire from close range.
The attackers allegedly fled in two directions on motorcycles after abandoning the small car used to intercept the Scorpio. Police suspect one bike escaped towards Jessore Road while the other took an interior route leading to Rajarhat.
Driver Critical After Multiple Surgeries
Rath's driver, Buddhadeb Bera, also suffered bullet injuries and remains in critical condition at a Kolkata hospital after undergoing multiple surgeries.
Police recovered empty cartridge casings, live ammunition, and bullet shells from the road leading to Rath's residence. Preliminary forensic findings suggest the attackers may have used Glock 47X pistols — sophisticated firearms not commonly associated with ordinary criminals.
"A weapon of this nature is generally not used by local criminals. We are examining whether professional shooters were involved," a senior police officer said.
Fake Number Plate and Erased Vehicle Identification
Police also found that the number plate attached to the abandoned car was fake and linked to a tea estate employee in Siliguri. Officers said both the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicle had been erased, indicating attempts to conceal its origin.
The Siliguri-based owner told investigators he had uploaded photographs of his vehicle on an online platform while trying to sell it. Police said his claims are being verified.
Coordinated Investigation Across Jurisdictions
Cops are now coordinating with Kolkata Police and Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate to analyze CCTV footage across multiple jurisdictions and track the movement of the attackers before and after the shooting.
Locals told police they had seen three men waiting on a motorcycle in the area shortly before the attack. Residents also claimed Rath used to return home at roughly the same time every night in the same vehicle bearing a West Bengal Assembly sticker.
No arrests have been made so far, and police said the motive behind the killing is still unclear.
