A major political flashpoint erupted in West Bengal on Wednesday night after Chandranath Rath, the close aide and personal assistant of senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in an attack near Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district.
Rath was travelling in a car from his residence near Doltala when unidentified assailants allegedly intercepted the vehicle and opened fire. His driver also sustained bullet injuries but survived the attack and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital near the EM Bypass.
The killing has triggered fresh political tension in the state amid ongoing unrest following the Assembly election results.
Doctors reveal nature of Chandranath Rath’s injuries
Doctors at Viba City Hospital said Rath’s injuries were critical and left almost no chance of survival.
Reportedly, Pratim Sengupta of Viba City Hospital said that doctors were on their rounds when they received information that two gunshot victims were being brought in. He said Chandranath Rath and his driver were rushed to the hospital, but Rath had already died before arrival. According to Sengupta, Rath suffered two bullet injuries on the left side of his chest, and the bullets pierced his heart, leading to his death on the spot.
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According to hospital officials, Rath suffered two gunshot wounds to the left side of his chest, causing severe cardiac damage. Doctors said he had already died before reaching the hospital.
Attackers allegedly fired six rounds
Initial information suggests that nearly six rounds were fired during the attack. Rath was seated beside the driver when their vehicle was stopped on an inner road stretch. A small four-wheeler allegedly blocked the path moments before attackers arrived on a motorcycle and began firing repeatedly at the car.
Witness statements about the number of attackers remain inconsistent. While some locals claimed two men were involved, others suggested more assailants could have been present at the spot.
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After the firing, the attackers fled the area. Police later seized the small vehicle found abandoned near the scene.
CCTV footage, driver’s statement under scanner
Police are expected to examine CCTV footage from nearby roads and collect statements from eyewitnesses as part of the investigation. Officials are also likely to speak to Rath’s injured driver once his condition stabilises, as investigators believe his testimony may help piece together the sequence of events leading up to the attack.
