Fresh details have emerged in the murder investigation of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to the outgoing Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, with state police confirming that the motorcycle used in the attack carried a fake registration number.
Director General of Police Siddh Nath Gupta visited Viva City Hospital in Madhyamgram at around 01:30 AM on Thursday, hours after Rath succumbed to bullet injuries sustained in the shooting on Wednesday night.
Speaking to reporters, Gupta stated that investigators had recovered both empty cartridge shells and live rounds from the crime scene. He added that the motorcycle involved in the killing was fitted with a fake number plate.
“The motorcycle used in the assassination was bearing a fake number plate. We have recovered shells of used cartridges as well as some live cartridges from the spot of the assassination. A detailed investigation into the matter is on,” he noted, while declining to reveal further details.
According to police insiders, eyewitnesses initially believed Rath’s vehicle was being followed by a four-wheeler for a long distance before the attack near Doharia crossing in Madhyamgram. It was earlier suspected that the car overtook and blocked Rath’s vehicle before the assailants opened fire.
Investigators later found that the vehicle was actually being tracked discreetly by a motorcycle.
Police sources said that once Rath’s car reached the crossing, a four-wheeler obstructed the route while the motorcycle rider allegedly carried out the shooting.
Officials involved in the probe said the operation was carried out with precision and coordination. They said this suggested the involvement of trained and professional killers.
According to investigators, the attack appeared to have been carefully planned in advance.
BJP Alleges Political Motive
State BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of orchestrating the murder.
Bhattacharya alleged that the killing was politically motivated and claimed violence had increased following the recently concluded West Bengal elections. He also accused Trinamool Congress-backed workers of creating unrest in different parts of the state while posing as BJP supporters.
Referring to Rath’s murder, Bhattacharya claimed the attack was intended to send a political message. He described it as part of what he called the ‘culture’ of the ruling party.
Also Read: Suvendu Adhikari’s Aide Chandranath Rath Shot Dead In Madhyamgram Attack
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