Chandranath Rath’s Body Taken To East Midnapore For Last Rites After Murder

The body of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and outgoing Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, was brought to his residence in Chandipur on Thursday evening for the last rites. Rath had been killed in a shooting incident in Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday night, triggering political tensions and a police investigation.

Following the post-mortem examination at Barasat Medical College and Hospital, Rath’s relatives and close associates transported his body to East Midnapore. A large number of locals gathered outside his residence to pay their final respects. The body was draped in the national flag as supporters and BJP workers gathered, raising slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” while paying homage.

Senior BJP leaders from the district, including newly elected legislators, visited Chandipur to offer condolences. The body was initially kept a short distance from the family home before being taken inside for final rites preparations. According to family members and party sources, the last rites were scheduled to be performed later on Thursday night amid heavy presence of supporters and local residents.

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Rath was reportedly shot at close range while travelling in a vehicle in Madhyamgram, resulting in his death on the spot. The incident sparked immediate protests from BJP workers, who gathered outside the hospital in large numbers and demanded swift action against those responsible. Party leaders alleged possible involvement of politically backed miscreants, while also calling for a detailed investigation into the killing.

West Bengal police have launched a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the murder, and forensic teams are examining CCTV footage and other evidence from the crime scene. Authorities have recovered two vehicles allegedly linked to the attackers, both reportedly bearing fake registration plates. However, no arrests have been made so far in connection with the case, according to officials.

The incident has intensified political friction in the state, with BJP leaders demanding a court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, while the Trinamool Congress has also condemned the killing and echoed calls for a fair investigation. Rath’s death has added to the already heightened political atmosphere in West Bengal, with both parties trading allegations as the investigation continues.

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