Chandranath Rath murder: Body taken to East Midnapore for last rites
Synopsis
A BJP leader's personal assistant was shot dead at close range in Madhyamgram, West Bengal — and no arrests have been made more than 24 hours later. With fake number plates on both getaway vehicles and a Special Investigation Team now constituted, the case has become a flashpoint in an already volatile state political landscape.
Key Takeaways
Chandranath Rath , personal assistant to BJP's Suvendu Adhikari , was shot dead in Madhyamgram , North 24 Parganas on Wednesday night .
His body was taken to Chandipur , East Midnapore on Thursday evening for last rites after post-mortem at Barasat Medical College and Hospital .
Both the four-wheeler and motorcycle allegedly used by the assailants carried fake number plates ; no arrests had been made as of Thursday evening .
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted; CCTV footage from surrounding areas is being examined.
TMC condemned the murder and demanded a court-monitored CBI probe ; Adhikari alleged the killing was linked to a conspiracy tied to Mamata Banerjee's defeat in Bhabanipur .
West Bengal DGP S.N.
Gupta visited the hospital on Wednesday night and met Rath's family and BJP leaders.
The body of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and outgoing Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, was brought to his residence in Chandipur, East Midnapore district on Thursday evening for the last rites, a day after he was shot dead in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas. The killing has triggered a political storm in West Bengal, with the BJP alleging a conspiracy and the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) calling for a court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.
Final Journey to Chandipur
Following a post-mortem examination at Barasat Medical College and Hospital, Rath's close associates and relatives transported the body to Chandipur. A large number of people gathered outside his residence in the afternoon to pay their last respects. His body was draped in the national flag, with acquaintances, supporters, and local BJP workers paying homage. Slogans of
Point of View
Despite CCTV coverage and vehicle seizures, will feed the BJP's narrative of political shielding. The TMC's own call for a CBI probe is notable: it either signals genuine concern about being framed, or a tactical move to appear above suspicion. Either way, West Bengal's law-and-order credibility is once again on trial ahead of a politically charged period.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Chandranath Rath?
Chandranath Rath was the personal assistant to BJP leader and outgoing Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari. He was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas on Wednesday night.
How was Chandranath Rath killed?
Unidentified assailants opened fire on Rath's vehicle at close range in Madhyamgram on Wednesday night. He died on the spot. Both the four-wheeler and motorcycle allegedly used by the assailants were later found to carry fake number plates.
Have any arrests been made in the Chandranath Rath murder case?
No arrests had been made as of Thursday evening, more than 24 hours after the killing. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted and CCTV footage from the surrounding areas is being examined.
What is the BJP's allegation regarding the murder?
Suvendu Adhikari alleged that Rath was murdered as part of a conspiracy linked to Mamata Banerjee's defeat in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency and because of Rath's close association with him. BJP workers also alleged involvement of miscreants backed by the Trinamool Congress.
What has the Trinamool Congress said about the murder?
The Trinamool Congress condemned Rath's murder and demanded a court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident, according to a statement issued on Wednesday night.
