Chandranath Rath, a close associate and personal assistant of outgoing Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in a late-night attack in Madhyamgram on Wednesday while returning from a party-related programme.
According to BJP MLA and advocate Kaustav Bagchi, Rath’s vehicle was allegedly chased by another car for a considerable distance before the attackers intercepted it near the Doharia crossing area.
Bagchi claimed the pursuing vehicle overtook Rath’s car and blocked its path. Several armed men then stepped out and fired multiple rounds indiscriminately.
Rath reportedly suffered bullet injuries to the head, chest and abdomen. He was immediately taken to Viva City Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Another occupant of the vehicle, identified as Buddhadeb Bera, also sustained multiple gunshot injuries in the attack. He is undergoing treatment at the same hospital and remains in critical condition.
Bagchi alleged that the murder was the result of a political conspiracy and demanded strict administrative action against those responsible. He said he reached the hospital shortly after receiving information about the incident.
Sources said Suvendu Adhikari was also heading to the hospital after being informed about the attack.
According to party sources, both Rath and Bera were considered key members of Adhikari’s inner circle and had played active roles in handling his election campaign in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, where Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee in the recent Assembly elections.
Police officials indicated that the nature of the assault suggested prior planning.
Senior officers reached the scene soon after the shooting and launched an investigation.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage from surrounding areas and searching for eyewitnesses to identify and trace the assailants.
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