Who Was Chandranath Rath? Inside the Killing of Suvendu Adhikari’s Closest Political Aide

May 7, 2026

In the shadow of BJP’s massive victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, a shocking political murder has shaken the state. Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant and key backroom strategist for senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in cold blood.

The killing has raised serious questions about political violence in West Bengal even after the polls.

Who Was Chandranath Rath?

Chandranath Rath, aged 41, hailed from Chandipur in Purba Medinipur district. He studied at Rahara Ramakrishna Mission and served in the Indian Air Force for nearly 20 years. Deeply influenced by the Mission’s values, he once considered a spiritual life.

After taking voluntary retirement from the IAF, Rath worked briefly in the corporate sector before shifting to political organisational work. He officially joined Suvendu Adhikari’s team around 2019 when Adhikari was a minister in the Mamata Banerjee government. He continued with Adhikari after the leader joined BJP.

Rath was a crucial figure in managing Adhikari’s election campaigns in Nandigram and Bhabanipur — both seats Adhikari won in the recent assembly elections, including defeating Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur. He handled ministerial office work, coordination with party workers, logistics, and sensitive campaign operations. Insiders described him as “Mr Dependable” — soft-spoken, low-profile, and completely trustworthy. His family had earlier links with Trinamool Congress; his mother Hasi Rath held a local panchayat position under TMC before shifting allegiance to BJP along with Suvendu Adhikari in 2020. The families shared a connection spanning over two decades.

How the Murder Happened

The incident occurred late on Wednesday night, May 6, 2026, between 10:30 pm and 11:00 pm, near Doharia in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas district.

Motorcycle-borne assailants tailed Rath’s white Scorpio SUV, intercepted it, and opened fire from both sides while he was inside the vehicle. Rath, sitting beside the driver, was the sole target. He suffered bullet injuries to the right abdomen and left chest. The bullets pierced his heart. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead. The driver sustained injuries and was shifted to a Kolkata hospital.

Police described the attack as professional and planned. They said the murder was reconnoitred over the last 3-4 days and a car was also used in the crime. The incident took place around 200-300 metres from a hospital, and locals helped rush the victims for treatment.

 Political Context          

This killing comes days after BJP’s historic victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, winning 207 out of 294 seats. The state witnessed high tensions following Mamata Banerjee’s refusal to resign immediately as Chief Minister and her call for street protests.

West Bengal has a long history of reported political violence. Suvendu Adhikari noted that TMC had used terror tactics for years but added that no final conclusion should be drawn yet. He said the incident “may or may not be related to politics.”

Reactions and Blame Game

BJP leaders strongly condemned the murder. Leaders like Sreerupa Mitra Chaudhary and Agnimitra Paul described Rath as a “dear friend,” a “good kid from a good family,” and a completely apolitical person. They highlighted how he managed everything from small tasks in the assembly to major coordination work.

Suvendu Adhikari spoke to reporters and said the DGP assured a proper investigation. He described it as a planned murder in cold blood and urged supporters not to take law into their own hands. He requested people to trust the administration for justice.

As of now, no group has claimed responsibility. While the BJP points to the broader pattern of violence under previous TMC rule and the timing after their defeat, there is no official confirmation linking any specific party. TMC is yet to issue a detailed response in available reports. Police are treating it as a targeted killing and are investigating all angles.

The case has once again put the focus on law and order and political safety in West Bengal as the new government prepares to take charge. Authorities have promised a thorough probe into this cold-blooded murder of a trusted political aide.