Bengal: Three held in Suvendu’s aide murder case – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Kolkata – Authorities have detained three men from Uttar Pradesh in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The arrests came after a multi-state operation by a special investigation team. Rath was shot dead late last week near Madhyamgram, close to Kolkata airport, in what police describe as a targeted attack.
The Night of the Attack
Rath was traveling in an SUV along Jessore Road when several motorcycle-borne assailants gave chase. Eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage indicate that at least eight armed men on four bikes surrounded the vehicle before opening fire at close range. Rath sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. His driver suffered serious injuries but survived the assault. The location, just three kilometres from the airport, is usually busy but appeared relatively quiet at the time of the incident around 10:20 pm. Investigators noted that the attackers used a hatchback to block the SUV before the shooting began. No helmets were worn by the gunmen, and they fled immediately after the attack.
Breakthrough in the Investigation
Police formed a special team that traced leads across state borders. The three suspects were picked up from Uttar Pradesh following a coordinated manhunt. Officials confirmed the men are being brought to Barasat court for further proceedings. Preliminary findings suggest the killing was professionally planned, with the assailants monitoring Rath’s movements for several days beforehand. Forensic teams have collected evidence from the scene, including spent cartridges from Glock pistols. The motive remains under examination, though political and personal angles are both being explored. The arrests mark the first major development since the shooting.
Political Fallout and Next Steps
The murder has intensified tensions in West Bengal following recent election results. BJP workers gathered in large numbers outside the hospital where Rath’s body was taken, demanding swift justice. Senior party leaders visited the site and called for a thorough probe into the circumstances. Investigators continue to examine CCTV footage and mobile records to identify any additional accomplices. The case has drawn attention to security concerns for political figures in the state. Further updates are expected once the suspects appear in court.
