The political storm surrounding the sensational murder of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, intensified on Thursday as the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) issued a statement condemning the killing while simultaneously demanding a court-monitored CBI investigation into the incident.
In its official statement, the TMC described Rath’s killing as “brutal” and asserted that there is no place for political murders and violence in a democratic society. The party also alleged that, despite the Model Code of Conduct still being in force, three TMC workers had lost their lives over the last three days in incidents allegedly linked to BJP-backed miscreants. Referring to the recent incidents as part of post-poll violence, the ruling party demanded that all those responsible be swiftly identified and brought to justice under the strictest provisions of law.
Even as the TMC demanded a CBI probe under judicial supervision, Adhikari, who defeated outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur constituency in the just-concluded Assembly elections, indicated that he is, for the moment, placing confidence in the State Police investigation. Speaking on the murder of his close aide in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas, Adhikari said investigators have already uncovered several important leads and that the police appear to be proceeding in a “positive direction.”
The sensational killing took place on Wednesday night when Rath was shot at close range on a public street in Madhyamgram. Rath, originally from Adhikari’s home district, East Midnapore, was returning to his other house in Madhyamgram.
Director General of Police (DGP) Siddhinath Gupta personally visited the crime scene to supervise the investigation. According to police officials, investigators have begun examining CCTV footage from the surrounding areas in an effort to identify the assailants. Police have also seized the vehicle allegedly used in the murder, though it reportedly carried a fake registration number.
“We suspect a two-wheeler and a private vehicle were used in the well-planned attack on Rath. The vehicle came in front of Rath’s vehicle and blocked its way. Two assailants riding the two-wheeler followed the victim, and one of them walked up to Rath’s vehicle and fired from close range. The bullets pierced the windowpane of the left front seat where Rath was sitting and hit him. Six bullets were fired, of which three lodged into Rath’s chest while the remaining three struck his accomplice, who is under treatment,” DGP Gupta stated.
According to Adhikari, the murder was “cold-blooded” and “premeditated.” Preliminary findings also suggest that the attackers had conducted reconnaissance in the area for several days before executing the attack. While Adhikari acknowledged the possibility of a political angle behind the murder, he refrained from directly naming any individual or political outfit, maintaining that the police should independently identify the real perpetrators.
Meanwhile, the BJP has assigned former IPS officer Bharati Ghosh to monitor the progress of the State Police investigation. She is expected to remain in regular contact with senior police officials regarding developments in the case.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar visited the area late on Wednesday night following the incident. Both he and Adhikari appealed to BJP workers to maintain peace and assured Rath’s grieving family of complete support from the party.
The murder has also drawn strong reactions from opposition parties. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty termed the incident a “premeditated murder” and demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible. Similar concerns were echoed by Congress state president Subhankar Sarkar, who called for a comprehensive investigation along with judicial intervention.
Before joining active political work, Rath had served in the Indian Air Force. After retirement, he became one of Adhikari’s closest associates and was actively involved in BJP organisational activities. Most recently, he played a prominent role in Adhikari’s campaign during the high-voltage Assembly election in Bhabanipur.
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