In a shocking incident that underscores the escalating post-poll violence in West Bengal, Chandranath Rath, an aide to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari, was fatally shot in the North 24 Parganas district. The attack took place late Wednesday night as Rath was en route to his residence in Barasat. Eyewitnesses reported that assailants on motorcycles blocked his vehicle in the Madhyamgram area, where one of them approached and fired three shots at point-blank range around 10:20 PM.
According to sources, Rath sustained multiple bullet wounds while seated in the passenger seat next to the driver. He was promptly rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. The driver, identified as Buddhadeb, suffered serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment. Local law enforcement has initiated an investigation, with security camera footage being scrutinized to identify the perpetrators.
Authorities believe this incident was a premeditated attack. An unnamed senior police official hinted at the chilling nature of the murder, stating, “The assailant lingered to ensure that Rath would not survive.” This assertion has raised significant concern regarding the safety of political figures and their associates in a state already marred by political strife.
Chandranath Rath had been a close aide to Adhikari for several years, taking on roles that involved political coordination and organizational duties within the party. His association with Adhikari began in 2018, and after Adhikari assumed the role of Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, Rath became his executive assistant. The incident not only highlights the rising tide of political violence but also raises questions about the safety of BJP members in a state where political rivalries have often turned deadly.
As the investigation unfolds, many are calling for increased security measures for political figures in the region. The BJP has condemned the attack, demanding justice for Rath and urging the state government to take decisive action against such acts of violence. The political atmosphere in West Bengal remains tense, with both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition parties on high alert as they navigate this turbulent landscape.
