'My PA Was Murdered Because I Defeated Mamata': Shuvendu Adhikari Slams 'premeditated Conspiracy'

Kolkata: BJP leader Shuvendu Adhikari has alleged that the murder of his Personal Assistant (PA), Chandranath Rath, is the result of a "premeditated conspiracy". He claimed that Chandranath was targeted because of his association with him and because he had defeated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the election in Bhabanipur. Speaking to journalists as Rath's mortal remains were being transported from the hospital to his residence in Madhyamgram, Adhikari stated, "No amount of condemnation is sufficient for the manner in which this murder was carried out. He was killed because he was my associate, and because I had defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur. This could be the only motive behind his murder."

Demanding action against the perpetrators, the BJP leader further added, "I stand in solidarity with his family, and the family's demand is that those who executed this murder be apprehended and that it be ensured they face punishment. The post-mortem report has revealed that he was shot four times... This murder was a premeditated conspiracy."

What did Shuvendu Adhikari say?

Describing his PA's murder as a targeted killing, Adhikari alleged that the crime was executed with meticulous precision. He stated, "This was a well-planned operation. Reconnaissance was conducted over several days, and the victim was stalked before being shot at close range." Citing medical reports, he noted that the post-mortem indicated he had been shot multiple times from very close range to ensure his immediate death.

Adhikari emphasized that this murder was not a spontaneous incident. He asserted, "This is no ordinary crime. It is a brutal, premeditated attack executed by professional killers." The BJP leader also alleged that Rath was targeted solely due to his professional association. He remarked, "He had no criminal record, nor did he have any political animosities. His sole identity was that he worked with me." He further stated that the deceased's family has demanded a speedy arrest and severe punishment for the culprits, including the death penalty.

Will a Special Investigation Team (SIT) be formed?

Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the murder of Chandranath Rath in Madhyamgram. The SIT comprises officers from both the State Police and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID); however, the exact number of members involved and the identities of the officers have not yet been disclosed. Separately, Praveen Kumar, the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), visited the crime scene in Madhyamgram on Thursday morning. The State Director General of Police, Siddha Nath Gupta, had visited the Madhyamgram hospital on Wednesday night itself but refrained from divulging details, citing the ongoing investigation. This clearly indicates that the police are treating Rath's murder as a matter of utmost gravity.

Why Was a Four-Wheeler Seized on Suspicion?

The State Police Chief has confirmed that a four-wheeled vehicle has been seized on suspicion of having been used in the crime. According to the vehicle's number plate, it was registered in Siliguri; however, investigators suspect that the number plate is fake. The police have also recovered bullets and spent cartridges from the scene. CID officials arrived at the crime scene on Thursday morning and formally joined the investigation. A forensic team from the State Police had inspected the area on Wednesday night itself and collected samples from the vehicle in which Mr. Rath was traveling. Bloodstains were found on both front seats of the car, and samples were collected from various parts of the vehicle for forensic analysis.

The police and central forces have cordoned off the entire area where Rath was shot dead on Wednesday night. The security cordon has been tightened, extending from the housing complex where Rath resided all the way to Jessore Road. Vehicular movement along this route has been temporarily suspended, and restrictions have been imposed on public movement.