CID takes over probe into killing of Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide in West Bengal

India’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a full-scale investigation into the sensational killing of Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide Chandranath Rath, who was gunned down at point-blank range in a crowded area near Kolkata late Wednesday night (May 6).

The brutal attack in the Doharia area of Madhyamgram has triggered political shockwaves across West Bengal, with investigators suspecting the involvement of professional contract killers and a possible politically motivated conspiracy.

According to witnesses and preliminary findings, the attackers carried out a carefully planned ambush between 10:00pm and 10:20pm. A stolen, numberless Alto car was allegedly used to block Rath’s Scorpio vehicle inside a narrow lane before gunmen arriving on motorcycles opened indiscriminate fire using 9mm pistols.

Rath sustained multiple bullet wounds and died on the spot. Two others travelling in the vehicle were also injured, including the driver, while another passenger narrowly escaped by ducking inside the car.

Investigators later recovered the abandoned Alto vehicle, which police said carried a fake registration plate linked to Siliguri and was confirmed to be stolen.

Forensic experts and CID homicide officials visited the crime scene on Thursday morning (May 7) and collected blood samples and other evidence from the vehicle. A three-member medical board has also been formed at Barasat Medical College to conduct the post-mortem examination.

The killing has intensified political tensions in the state, with BJP leaders directly accusing members of the ruling camp of orchestrating the attack. BJP leader Arjun Singh alleged that trained contract killers were involved and claimed the murder had been planned by a close associate of Abhishek Banerjee, a senior leader of the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Another BJP leader, Shankudeb Panda, described the incident as a “political assassination,” alleging that opposition activists continued to face targeted violence even after elections.

State police chief Siddhanath said a massive manhunt is underway, while security has been tightened from Doharia to Jessore Road with additional police and central forces deployed in the area.

Despite the high-profile investigation, no arrests had been made several hours after the incident, prompting sharp criticism from the BJP over the handling of the case.

The brazen daylight-style execution of a senior opposition aide in a densely populated area has once again raised serious concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in West Bengal, as attention now turns to whether the CID probe uncovers the alleged masterminds behind the killing.