A major political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after the killing of Chandranath Rath, a close associate and personal assistant of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The tragic incident has triggered emotional reactions, political accusations, and widespread tension across the state.
Chandranath Rath, who had earlier served in the Indian Air Force, had reportedly been working closely with Adhikari for several years. According to police officials, the attack took place late at night near Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district. Rath was travelling in his Scorpio SUV when another vehicle allegedly intercepted him on the road. Soon after, armed attackers on motorcycles reportedly opened fire at close range before escaping from the area.
Investigators revealed that multiple bullets struck Rath in different parts of his body, including the chest and head. He was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital, but doctors were unable to save him. The shocking murder quickly intensified the already heated political atmosphere in West Bengal.
Following the incident, Rath’s mother, Hasirani Rath, made emotional statements accusing the ruling All India Trinamool Congress of targeting her family. Speaking to reporters with tears in her eyes, she claimed her son was “tortured and killed” in a planned political attack. She demanded strict punishment for those involved but said she preferred life imprisonment over capital punishment.
According to her, the family had allegedly been facing threats since the 2021 Assembly elections when Suvendu Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee in the high-profile Nandigram contest. She alleged that certain ruling party supporters had repeatedly issued warnings and threatening remarks over the years.
Her emotional statements further fueled political tensions, with BJP leaders accusing the Trinamool Congress of creating an atmosphere of fear and violence. BJP MP Arjun Singh even alleged that senior TMC leaders were behind the attack, intensifying the war of words between both parties.
The Trinamool Congress, however, strongly denied all allegations linked to the murder. Party leaders condemned the killing and stated that violence has no place in democracy. The ruling party also demanded a court-monitored investigation to ensure that the truth comes out without political interference.
Meanwhile, police across West Bengal launched a large-scale crackdown following the incident. Authorities reportedly arrested hundreds of people and detained many others during raids connected to the investigation. Several FIRs have also been registered, while police continue to search for the main attackers who are still absconding.
Suvendu Adhikari described Rath’s death as a “personal loss” and a “pre-planned murder.” While expressing grief, he appealed to BJP workers and supporters to remain peaceful and cooperate with the ongoing investigation. He also said that multiple violent incidents had recently been reported from nearby areas, raising concerns over law and order in the state.
Political analysts believe this incident could further deepen the rivalry between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress ahead of future political battles in West Bengal. As investigations continue, the focus now remains on whether the police can quickly identify the masterminds behind the killing and restore confidence among the public.
The murder has once again brought the issue of political violence in West Bengal into national focus, with both ruling and opposition parties blaming each other while demanding justice for Chandranath Rath.
