Police in West Bengal are investigating the killing of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of the state’s new Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who was shot dead on a busy road in Madhyamgram area of North 24 Parganas district. The incident took place on Wednesday night, and despite multiple leads, no arrests have been made so far, even as the probe enters its fifth day.

According to investigators, Rath was travelling in a Mahindra Scorpio SUV when his vehicle was intercepted by a silver Nissan Micra around 200 metres from his residence. As the SUV slowed down, bike-borne assailants reportedly opened fire at close range, killing him on the spot. The attackers then abandoned the Micra and escaped using a different car and motorcycles, suggesting a pre-planned and coordinated operation.

Police sources said the investigation has gained momentum after CCTV footage from a toll plaza in Bally near Kolkata revealed the suspected getaway vehicle. Officials are now tracing a UPI transaction made at the toll booth, which may help identify individuals linked to the vehicle used during the escape. The financial trail is being examined alongside mobile tower data and surveillance inputs.

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In a key development, investigators have recovered multiple vehicles linked to the crime. A motorcycle was found in Barasat shortly after the incident, while another bike had earlier been seized near the crime scene. The Nissan Micra used during the attack has also been recovered. Preliminary findings suggest that both the car and the motorcycles may have been stolen prior to the incident to avoid detection.

Police officials believe the attackers had precise prior knowledge of Rath’s movements and seating position inside the vehicle, indicating possible inside information or surveillance. A senior SIT officer reportedly stated that the execution appeared “swift and professionally coordinated.” Investigators suspect the involvement of at least eight people, including local aides who may have assisted in planning and logistics.

As part of the wider probe, police teams have been sent to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, as authorities suspect that some of the shooters may have been brought in from outside West Bengal. So far, three individuals have been detained for questioning. Rath, a former Indian Air Force personnel, was later laid to rest in his native village in Purba Medinipur district, where his body was draped in the national flag as locals paid their final respects.

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