Punjab Newsline | Kolkata
In a shocking incident, Chandranath Rath (42), personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead late Wednesday night in Madhyamgram area of North 24 Parganas, West Bengal.
The attack took place around 10:30 pm when Rath was returning home from Kolkata in an SUV. According to police, the incident occurred between Doltala and Madhyamgram when a car came from behind and blocked their vehicle.
Soon after, an assailant on a motorcycle approached from the left side and fired 6 to 10 rounds at the SUV. Rath, who was seated next to the driver, was hit by four bullets — two pierced his chest and one struck his abdomen. The driver, Buddhadeb Bera, was also injured and remains in critical condition.
Following the attack, the assailants abandoned the car and escaped on the motorcycle. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital where Rath was declared dead.
During the investigation, police discovered that the attackers used a cloned number plate. The original vehicle is registered in Siliguri, and its owner said he had listed the car for sale online about two weeks ago, raising suspicion that the number plate was duplicated.
Police have detained three local history-sheeters for questioning, but the main attackers are still on the run. Eyewitnesses claimed the assailants fled towards the India–Bangladesh border after the incident.
The BJP has accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of being behind the killing, alleging political conspiracy. Meanwhile, police have intensified their investigation and are probing all possible angles.
