Recce, SUV intercept: How Suvendu's PA was killed

• Suvendu Adhikari's PA Chandranath Rath was shot dead in Madhyamgram
• Assailants fired 16 rounds at his car before escaping on motorcycles
• Police suspect a premeditated attack involving contract killers

In a shocking incident, West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant (PA) Chandranath Rath was hit by three out of four bullets which were fired at him while he was sitting in a moving

car and heading to his residence on Wednesday night.

Chandranath Rath, who was heading home from his native village after a busy day, was killed in Madhyamgram, two days after his party’s landslide victory in the assembly elections.

The suspects were following Rath’s Scorpio in a car, and as soon as the Scorpio slowed down, assailants came on a bike and opened fire.

In the visuals, the car’s left-front window was seen cracked and had bullet holes. The entire incident was reported at around 10 pm.

Here is a breakdown of the killing in graphics.

Sequence Of Chandranath Rath’s Killing

1. Chandranath Rath’s vehicle was approaching his residence in the Doharia area, which was approximately 200 metres from the spot of the incident.
2. A car attempted to intercept and stop his Scorpio.
3. As the Scorpio slowed down, several individuals reportedly got out of that vehicle.
4. Then, they mounted a few motorcycles and fired around 16 rounds.
5. After the shooting, they abandoned the car and escaped through nearby lanes on motorcycles.
6. The abandoned vehicle bore registration number WB74AK2270.

The white car, which was following Chandranath Rath’s Car, had a fake number plate, and someone had tampered with various technicalities of this car.

Police have traced the presence of the white car, suspected of having intercepted Chandranath Rath’s vehicle, in CCTV footage from Doltala around 3 pm.

Police traced the registration details and found the registered owner’s name to be William Joseph. The vehicle is registered with the Siliguri ARTO and is around 10 years and 3 months old.

However, when police contacted the registered owner, he reportedly said that his vehicle was still with him. Detectives have contacted the local police station and have left for Siliguri as part of the investigation.

Chances Of Contract Killers’ Involvement: Police

Speaking to CNN-News18, the police sources said that there is a chance of involvement of a contract killer, as everything seems to be well planned.

The police’s preliminary assessment suggests the murder was premeditated. The area had reportedly been reconnoitred before the attack.

Investigators believe such a large number of shots were fired to ensure the victim’s death.