A meticulously planned ambush, relentless surveillance, and a swift escape—investigators believe the murder of Chandranath Rath was no random act but a carefully executed hit. CCTV footage and on-ground evidence are now helping police piece together how the attackers tracked, intercepted, and gunned him down before vanishing into the night.
The attack unfolded around 11 pm when Rath was returning home to Madhyamgram after attending a programme in Kolkata. As his Scorpio neared the Doharia area, a small car suddenly overtook and blocked his path near a roadside eatery. Forced to slow down, Rath’s vehicle became an easy target. Within seconds, assailants arriving on a motorcycle moved in close, pressing a firearm against the window and opening fire.
Investigators estimate that at least 10 rounds were fired at point-blank range, leaving Rath fatally injured. The attackers fled immediately after the shooting, leaving behind a trail of clues that now form the backbone of the investigation.
Police sources indicate that the assailants had been tracking Rath’s movements for hours—if not days. CCTV footage from earlier in the day shows a suspicious vehicle near the Sahara Bridge in Doltala, suggesting that the attackers were conducting reconnaissance well in advance. Officers believe the killers had detailed knowledge of Rath’s routine, including his routes and timing.
The car used to intercept Rath’s vehicle has been recovered from the scene. However, a check of its registration number revealed discrepancies. The vehicle is officially registered to one Joseph Williams from Matigara in Siliguri, but investigators suspect the number plate was fake and the chassis number tampered with.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers escaped on a motorcycle immediately after the shooting. Notably, the bike carried no number plate, further complicating identification efforts.
Forensic teams examining recovered bullet casings suspect that an Austrian-made Glock pistol may have been used in the attack, indicating access to sophisticated weaponry. Police are now scanning CCTV footage from Jessore Road and surrounding areas to map the escape route and identify the suspects.
Authorities are also questioning local residents and witnesses to reconstruct the sequence of events. The precision of the attack has led investigators to consider the possibility of a larger conspiracy, including the involvement of hired shooters or a mastermind operating behind the scenes.
As the probe intensifies, the focus remains on connecting these scattered clues to uncover who planned the killing—and why.
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