A shocking incident of violence in West Bengal will likely add even more political tension to the already fraught atmosphere in the state. Suvendu Adhikari’s aide and executive assistant, Chandranath Rath, was shot to death by unknown assailants in Madhyamgram (North 24 Parganas) on Wednesday night. This event occurs in the context of a politically charged environment in the State, in light of recent Assembly elections.
Senior BJP Aide Killed in Madhyamgram
According to police and BJP sources, Rath was returning home from work when he was intercepted at Doharia on Jessore Road by two male assailants on a motorcycle. While he was inside of a vehicle, the two males shot into the vehicle with a gun repeatedly before fleeing the scene. Multiple bullets were found in his body and he was transported to a private hospital where he was pronounced dead. Another passenger in the vehicle is also said to have been injured in this shooting incident.
Attack Appears “Pre-Planned”
Police say this appears to be a premeditated murder. Initial investigations have uncovered evidence that the suspect(s) were in pursuit of Rath before executing their plan. Law enforcement personnel have begun to review videotape from surrounding locations, as well as collect forensic evidence from the crime scene area.
Reports indicate that the possible assailants of this violence used false vehicle registration numbers and used advanced weaponry (such as a Glock pistol), indicating an organized and well-executed operation. Investigators believe that prior to the murder, personnel associated with the suspects were likely conducting surveillance to track Rath’s movements.
The murder has raised very serious concerns about law and order across the state given the allegations of post-election violence after the BJP had such strong electoral success in West Bengal.
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BJP Allegations of Political Conspiracy
Suvendu Adhikari, reacting strongly to the incident, called the murder “heart-wrenching” and “pre-planned” and claimed that Rath had been under surveillance for several days prior to his murder. He also indicated that there may be some political involvement in the murder.
Senior BJP leaders have accused the ruling TMC government of creating an atmosphere of intimidation and fear throughout the state. Spokespersons for the party asserted that the murder is part of a “greater pattern of political violence against the BJP’s workers and supporters since the conclusion of the election.”
BJP leader Koustav Bagchi claimed that the murderers fired at Rath from within his car when he was in the vehicle. According to the party’s leaders, Rath was shot repeatedly in the chest, causing an excessive amount of blood loss.
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TMC Condemns Killing, Demands Probe
The TMC, like the BJP, had condemned the murder and called for a fair and impartial investigation of the murder. TMC leaders have denied the allegations made by the BJP against them and have demanded that the CBI investigate the case so that it can be conducted openly and transparently.
Political analysts say the situation could worsen the ongoing feud between the TMC and the BJP furthering the already hostile relationship between the two parties; political violence allegations have been part of the reason for the ongoing hostility in West Bengal for many years, particularly during the time of elections.
Police officials have not disclosed any information about political motivations for the murder but are investigating all aspects. As of the time this report was compiled no one had been arrested related to the discussions/death of Chandranath Rath.
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Who Was Chandranath Rath?
Chandranath Rath was Suvendu Adhikari’s right-hand man and was in the Indian Air Force before joining the team of Suvendu Adhikari; he began working with Adhikari when he became involved in politics in 2019. Due to his organisational abilities and ability to work closely with other leaders, many in the BJP speculate that he will soon have a more significant political position than the one he currently has, although there is no official announcement on this subject.
The unfortunate circumstances surrounding the death of Chandranath Rath shocked both the leaders and the workers of the BJP and hundreds of workers and leaders gathered outside both the hospital where Rath was taken after his death, and at the location where his murder took place, to demand that those responsible for his death be arrested and for better security measures for all functions and events of their party.
Rising Political Tensions in Bengal
Political violence has once again placed the focus on West Bengal. In the aftermath of the recent Assembly elections, there have been accusations of attacks on party workers between BJP and TMC in many districts.
As a precautionary measure against further violence, authorities have reportedly increased police presence in sensitive areas in North 24 Parganas and neighbouring districts. Senior police officials are reportedly closely overseeing this investigation while leaders from both parties have publicly responded and will continue to do so over the next few days.
The murder of Chandranath Rath will continue to be in the spotlight throughout West Bengal as the investigation unfolds and will prompt very difficult discussions regarding security, political rivalry, and governance in West Bengal.
