Who was Chandranath Rath? Ex-IAF officer and Suvendu Adhikari’s trusted aide shot dead in Bengal

Chandranath Rath, a close aide and personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, triggering fresh political tensions in the State following the Assembly election results.

Rath, 41, was known within BJP circles as one of Adhikari’s most trusted political associates and strategists. Originally from Chandipur in Purba Medinipur district, he had served in the Indian Air Force for nearly two decades before entering active politics.

According to reports, Rath joined Adhikari’s political team around 2019 and gradually became a key figure in managing organisational work, campaign coordination and election strategy in West Bengal. Party workers reportedly described him as “Mr Dependable” due to his low-profile but influential role behind the scenes.

Police said Rath was attacked near his residence in Madhyamgram on Wednesday night when unidentified assailants intercepted his SUV and opened fire at close range. Investigators suspect the killing was a planned attack, with reports suggesting professional shooters may have been involved.

The incident has intensified the already volatile political atmosphere in Bengal after the Assembly elections. BJP leaders alleged targeted political violence, while the Trinamool Congress denied the accusations and demanded an impartial investigation into the murder.

Rath had also reportedly played a significant role in the BJP’s campaign efforts in politically sensitive constituencies, including Bhabanipur, where the party mounted an aggressive challenge against the Trinamool Congress.

The West Bengal CID has now taken over the investigation into the killing