Suvendu Adhikari calls killing of aide Chandranath Rath a ‘pre-planned murder’; appeals not to take law into own hands | India News

Chandranath Rath and Suvendu Adhikari (Image/Agencies)

NEW DELHI: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday described the killing of his close aide Chandranath Rath as ‘heart-wrenching’ and alleged that it was a ‘pre-planned murder’ carried out after days of surveillance.Speaking to reporters after the incident, Adhikari said: “The killing of my aide Chandranath Rath is heart-wrenching; we condemn this. We appeal to everyone not to take up law into their own hands.”Adhikari also said he had been briefed by senior police officials. “The DGP assured me police will investigate cold-blooded murder of my aide Chandranath Rath. Besides my aide, one of our cadres was shot at in Basirhat and another stabbed in Baranagar.”He further alleged that the attack was carefully planned. According to him, home minister Amit Shah and party president Nitin Nabin both had been informed about the incident. “This is a pre-planned murder, and this is what DGP said. A recce was done for 2-3 days and a murdered was fully planned. The police initiated investigation… We are grieving and are at lack of words for condemning this incident. Our entire leadership from Delhi has taken information about this. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar talked to the family (of the deceased) and the police… Various leaders and chosen MLAs have come here from their regions... The police have found some evidence and they will investigate,” he said. Hitting out at TMC, Adhikari said: “This is the result of 15 years of Maha-Jungle Raj. BJP will start the cleansing work of the goons here.”Chandranath Rath, Adhikari’s executive assistant, was shot dead late Wednesday night near Doharia on Jessore Road in Madhyamgram area. Police said he was travelling in a car when motorcycle-borne assailants intercepted the vehicle and opened fire at close range.He was rushed to a private nursing home where doctors declared him dead.The incident triggered a major political backlash, with BJP leaders alleging it was a ‘planned and targeted attack’.BJP leader Sujay Kumar Dey said: “According to our information, four to five individuals were riding on a motorcycle when they shot the victim… Additionally, four to five motorcycles were involved in the incident.”Also Read | Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide Chandranath Rath shot dead in West Bengal’s MadhyamgramHe added that Rath appeared to have been specifically targeted: “Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant and driver were both present in the car; however, only his personal assistant was targeted and killed.”Another BJP leader Keya Ghosh alleged political motive, saying: “He was targeted out of rage and frustration.”

TMC demands CBI probe, calls violence ‘unacceptable’

Trinamool Congress (TMC) has condemned the killing of Chandranath Rath in Madhyamgram and alleged a series of violent incidents involving its workers in the aftermath of the recent polls.In an official statement posted on X, the party said: “We strongly condemn the brutal murder of Chandranath Rath in Madhyamgram tonight, along with the killing of three other TMC workers in incidents of post-poll violence allegedly carried out by BJP-backed miscreants over the last three days, despite the Model Code of Conduct being in force.”Calling for strict action, the party demanded a probe into the incident.“We demand the strongest possible action in this matter, including a court-monitored CBI investigation so that those responsible are identified and brought to justice without delay. Violence and political killings have no place in a democracy and the guilty must be held accountable at the earliest,” the statement further read.

Police recover evidence, investigation underway

West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta said police have launched a full investigation and recovered evidence from the spot. “We have started the investigation of the case. We have seized the 4-wheeler used in the crime… We found live rounds and fired cartridges from the spot.”Officials added that the vehicle’s number plate appeared to be tampered with and CCTV footage is being examined. No arrests have been made so far.

Who was Chandranath Rath? Former Air Force man turned key Adhikari aide

Chandranath Rath, a close aide of Suvendu Adhikari, hailed from Chandipur in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal. Before entering politics, he served nearly two decades in the Indian Air Force, where he built a career in disciplined administrative and operational roles.After taking voluntary retirement from the armed forces, Rath briefly worked in the corporate sector before gradually shifting into political and organisational responsibilities in Bengal politics.Over time, he became a trusted associate of Suvendu Adhikari and was closely involved in day-to-day coordination of the Leader of Opposition’s office.Party sources said Rath was part of Adhikari’s core team and handled key backroom responsibilities, including organisational planning, communication with local party workers, and campaign logistics during major electoral battles in the state.He played an active role in high-stakes political campaigns, including constituency-level strategies during crucial elections in West Bengal, and was regarded within party circles as a reliable and discreet coordinator.