Related Article
- Suvendu Adhikari’s PA Shot Dead in Bengal, BJP Alleges Targeted Political Killing
- Bengal Polls: TMC Alleges Humayun Kabir Sought Rs 1000 Cr From BJP For Support, Leader Calls It 'Fake'; Owaisi Ends Alliance
- Political Blame Game Erupts Over Chaos During Lionel Messi’s Kolkata Visit
- Nashik TCS Harassment & Conversion Case: Accused Nida Khan Arrested After Weeks on the Run
- Bengal's Political Bloodshed: ‘Poriborton’ or Revenge Politics?
Chandranath Rath Not the First: 4 Close Aides of Suvendu Adhikari Have Died in 13 Years
The killing of Chandranath Rath, a close aide and personal assistant to senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, has sent shockwaves through West Bengal politics. However, this is not the first such incident linked to people close to the BJP leader. Over the past 13 years, four of Adhikari’s close associates or security personnel have died under controversial or mysterious circumstances.
Chandranath Rath was shot dead in North 24 Parganas, with Suvendu Adhikari describing the incident as a “political murder.”
According to eyewitnesses and police sources, the attack took place around 10:30 pm near Doltala in Madhyamgram. A car allegedly blocked the road, forcing the SUV carrying Rath to slow down. Moments later, a motorcycle approached the front passenger side where Rath was seated. The attackers reportedly fired multiple rounds through the closed window of the SUV. Three bullets struck Rath, killing him on the spot.
According to eyewitnesses and police sources, the attack took place around 10:30 pm near Doltala in Madhyamgram. A car allegedly blocked the road, forcing the SUV carrying Rath to slow down. Moments later, a motorcycle approached the front passenger side where Rath was seated. The attackers reportedly fired multiple rounds through the closed window of the SUV. Three bullets struck Rath, killing him on the spot.
This is the fourth such tragedy involving people close to Adhikari over the last decade.
Pradeep Jha (2013):
When Suvendu Adhikari was still with the Trinamool Congress, his then personal assistant Pradeep Jha died under suspicious circumstances in East Midnapore. At the time, investigators did not officially confirm any criminal angle.
Pradeep Jha (2013):
When Suvendu Adhikari was still with the Trinamool Congress, his then personal assistant Pradeep Jha died under suspicious circumstances in East Midnapore. At the time, investigators did not officially confirm any criminal angle.
Shubhabrata Chakraborty (2018):
Police constable Shubhabrata Chakraborty, who was part of Adhikari’s security, was found dead inside police barracks in Contai. Authorities initially termed it a suicide. However, in 2021, after his wife demanded a fresh probe, the CID reopened the investigation.
Police constable Shubhabrata Chakraborty, who was part of Adhikari’s security, was found dead inside police barracks in Contai. Authorities initially termed it a suicide. However, in 2021, after his wife demanded a fresh probe, the CID reopened the investigation.
Pulak Lahiri (2021):
Another close associate and driver of Adhikari, Pulak Lahiri, also died under unexplained circumstances. No concrete evidence of conspiracy was publicly established in that case either.
Following Rath’s murder, political tensions in Bengal have intensified sharply. The BJP has alleged that people close to Suvendu Adhikari are being systematically targeted for political reasons and has demanded an impartial investigation by a central agency.
Another close associate and driver of Adhikari, Pulak Lahiri, also died under unexplained circumstances. No concrete evidence of conspiracy was publicly established in that case either.
Following Rath’s murder, political tensions in Bengal have intensified sharply. The BJP has alleged that people close to Suvendu Adhikari are being systematically targeted for political reasons and has demanded an impartial investigation by a central agency.
The ruling All India Trinamool Congress, however, rejected the allegations, accusing the opposition of trying to politicise a tragic incident.
Suvendu Adhikari, who has twice defeated Mamata Banerjee in direct political battles, has emerged as one of the strongest opposition faces in Bengal politics. Repeated mysterious deaths involving members of his inner circle are now raising fresh concerns over law and order in the state and could significantly impact the political climate ahead of future elections.
Suvendu Adhikari, who has twice defeated Mamata Banerjee in direct political battles, has emerged as one of the strongest opposition faces in Bengal politics. Repeated mysterious deaths involving members of his inner circle are now raising fresh concerns over law and order in the state and could significantly impact the political climate ahead of future elections.
Police have launched an investigation into the latest killing, and further details are awaited.
