An outpouring of grief and anger marked the final journey of Chandranath Rath on Thursday, as his body was brought to his residence in Chandipur, East Midnapore. Draped in the national flag, the slain aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was received by hundreds of mourners, with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” echoing through the area and demands for justice growing louder.
Rath’s body was taken to his home after a post-mortem at Barasat Medical College. By the time it arrived in the afternoon, a large crowd had gathered outside his residence. Family members, local residents, and BJP workers stood in solemn tribute, many visibly emotional as they paid their last respects. The atmosphere was charged, blending mourning with political outrage.
Senior BJP leaders from the district, along with recently elected party representatives, were present to offer condolences. Initially placed about 100 meters from his house, Rath’s body was later taken inside so that his mother could bid a final farewell. His last rites are scheduled to be performed later on Thursday night.
Even as tributes continued, voices demanding justice intensified. Supporters called for the swift arrest and strict punishment of those responsible, underscoring the growing anger within party ranks and the local community.
Chandranath Rath was shot dead late Wednesday night in Madhyamgram, on the outskirts of Kolkata. According to police sources, assailants on motorcycles opened fire at his vehicle, leaving him critically injured. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His driver, who was also hit by bullets, is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.
The हत्या triggered immediate political reactions. BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, visited the hospital on Wednesday night, while party workers staged protests outside, accusing ruling party-backed criminals of being behind the attack. They demanded immediate arrests and a thorough investigation.
Police have since recovered both a car and a motorcycle believed to have been used in the crime, though both vehicles were found with fake number plates. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the case, and CCTV footage from the area is being examined to identify the attackers. However, no arrests have been made so far.
The state police chief, Siddhanath Gupta, visited the hospital on Wednesday night and spoke with Rath’s family members and BJP leaders. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress condemned the killing and called for a court-monitored CBI investigation into the incident.
Suvendu Adhikari has alleged a political conspiracy behind the murder, linking it to recent electoral developments. Despite the tension, he has urged party workers to remain calm while the investigation proceeds.
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