Suvendu Adhikari aide shot dead, police launch manhunt

Tension continued in parts of West Bengal on Thursday after the killing of a close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in North 24 Parganas district. Police have launched a large-scale investigation and formed multiple teams to track down the attackers involved in the shooting.

According to senior police officials, investigators are examining CCTV footage collected from the crime scene and nearby areas to identify the assailants. Police are also looking into the possibility that professional contract killers may have carried out the attack on Chandranath Rath, who was shot dead on Wednesday night.

Security was tightened in several parts of North 24 Parganas on Thursday morning as tension spread across the district following the murder. Additional police forces were deployed in Madhyamgram, Doharia and nearby areas after BJP supporters staged protests demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killing.

Senior police officials urged residents to remain calm and avoid rumours. "We are keeping strict vigil in sensitive pockets, and additional forces have been deployed. People should not pay heed to rumours," a senior West Bengal Police officer told mediapersons.

The officer also confirmed that the investigation is moving quickly. "Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the crime scene and nearby areas, while multiple police teams have been formed to trace the assailants," the police officer said.

Rath was killed in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday night in what the BJP described as a “targeted assassination”. The incident triggered political outrage, protests and fresh accusations of political violence in the state.

Reacting to the incident, BJP workers demanded immediate action against the attackers. "We want the arrest of killers. Rath, travelling in a vehicle linked to the leader of the opposition, was shot dead. This is nothing but a planned murder. People are frightened," a local BJP worker said.

Another BJP supporter alleged that criminals were operating without fear and demanded a central agency probe into the incident. The murder has once again intensified political tensions in the state, especially coming just two days after the declaration of the assembly poll results.

According to preliminary information gathered by police, Rath was travelling near Doltala in Madhyamgram at around 10.30 pm when he was intercepted by motorcycle-borne assailants. The attackers allegedly followed his vehicle, forced it to stop and then opened fire before escaping from the spot.

Senior officials, including Director General of Police Siddhinath Gupta and CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh, visited the crime scene during the night to review the situation.

"A detailed investigation has begun. We are pursuing several leads," the officer said.

Police said Rath, aged 42, was returning to his residence in Madhyamgram from Kolkata when the attack took place. His vehicle was being driven by Buddhadeb Bera, who also suffered bullet injuries during the firing. He is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kolkata.

Investigators believe that at least six to 10 rounds were fired during the attack. Officials said the assailants were reportedly wearing helmets and were riding motorcycles without number plates to avoid being identified.

Police suspect sophisticated firearms were used during the attack. According to preliminary forensic findings, the attackers may have used Glock 47X pistols.

"A weapon of this nature is generally not used by ordinary criminals. We are examining whether professional shooters were involved," a senior West Bengal Police officer said on condition of anonymity.

Preliminary findings also suggest that the attackers were travelling on four motorcycles and carried out the operation in a coordinated manner. Investigators believe Rath’s vehicle was intercepted before the attackers fired multiple rounds from close range.

During the investigation, police also seized a suspicious vehicle that allegedly blocked Rath’s car before the shooting. However, officials later discovered that the number plate attached to the vehicle was fake.

"A suspicious vehicle that allegedly blocked the way of Rath's car has been seized. However, the number plate attached to it was found to be fake," Gupta told reporters at the spot.

Police teams recovered empty cartridges and live ammunition from the scene of the crime. Officials said the motive behind the murder remains unclear at this stage.

"We have recovered empty cartridges and live ammunition from the crime spot. At this stage, the motive behind the attack is not clear," the state DGP added.

The killing has sent shockwaves across Bengal’s political circles. The BJP accused the ruling All India Trinamool Congress of encouraging retaliatory violence after the election results. The TMC, however, rejected the allegations and accused BJP workers of carrying out attacks on its own supporters in several districts.

With political tensions rising and the investigation expanding, police continue to maintain heavy security in sensitive areas while trying to identify and arrest the attackers involved in the murder.