West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has described the killing of his personal assistant Chandranath Rath as a “pre-planned murder,” alleging that the attackers conducted a “recce for two to three days” before executing the assault in Madhyamgram. Speaking to reporters outside the hospital where Rath was taken after the attack, Adhikari called the incident a “cold-blooded murder” and strongly condemned the killing. Rath succumbed to injuries after being shot multiple times while travelling in a vehicle, in an incident that has triggered heightened political tension in the state.
Adhikari alleged that the manner in which the attack was carried out indicated prior surveillance and planning by the assailants. He claimed that the precision and timing of the shooting suggested that the attackers had been monitoring Rath’s movements over several days before striking.“The incident is heart-wrenching; we condemn the incident,” Adhikari said, while urging authorities to ensure a swift and thorough investigation into the case. He added that he had received assurances from West Bengal Director General of Police Siddh Nath Gupta that the matter would be probed in detail.
The BJP leader further stated that Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar, a former state BJP president, had spoken to Rath’s family following the incident to express condolences and support. Party leaders have also demanded strict action against those responsible, describing the killing as targeted in nature.The incident occurred when Rath was allegedly shot while travelling in a vehicle in North 24 Parganas district. Another person accompanying him was also injured in the attack and is receiving medical treatment. Authorities have not yet confirmed arrests in the case, and investigations are ongoing to determine the identity and motive of the attackers.
Police are examining forensic evidence, eyewitness accounts, and potential surveillance footage as part of the investigation. Officials have not publicly confirmed the alleged “recce” claim made by Adhikari, stating only that all possible angles are being explored. The killing has intensified political reactions in West Bengal, with opposition leaders demanding a high-level probe and the ruling side yet to issue a detailed response to the allegations.