‘They Said Fathers From Delhi Wouldn’t Save Us’: Mother Of Suvendu Adhikari’s Aide Demands Justice After Killing

Political tensions in West Bengal escalated further after the mother of slain BJP worker and aide Chandranath Rath demanded strict punishment for those responsible for her son’s killing.

Rath, who served as the personal assistant and close associate of senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead near Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas on Wednesday night.

Top Summary

• What happened: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s aide Chandranath Rath was shot dead in West Bengal.
• Why it matters now: The murder has intensified political tensions and allegations over law and order in the state.
• What changes for people: Security concerns and political clashes are likely to dominate West Bengal’s political atmosphere.
• Who is affected: BJP workers, political parties in West Bengal and residents of North 24 Parganas.

Speaking to reporters, Rath’s mother Hasirani Rath said she wanted the accused to receive life imprisonment rather than capital punishment.

“I want the guilty to be punished. I am a mother, I do not want them to be hanged. I want life imprisonment for them,” she said.

She also alleged that the attack was politically motivated and linked the incident to the BJP’s growing political influence in the state.

According to her statements, leaders from the ruling side had allegedly made provocative comments before the incident, warning that “fathers from Delhi would not be able to save us” after the elections.

Police said unidentified assailants opened fire at close range while Rath was travelling in his vehicle. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later declared dead.

Investigators and forensic teams later reached the crime scene and reportedly recovered evidence including cartridges and CCTV footage as part of the ongoing probe.

Security has also been tightened in parts of North 24 Parganas following the murder.

Suvendu Adhikari described the killing as a “pre-planned murder” and claimed that Rath had allegedly been under surveillance for several days before the attack.

The BJP accused the ruling All India Trinamool Congress of failing to maintain law and order in the state and alleged political targeting of opposition workers.

Adhikari said senior BJP leadership from Delhi had sought detailed information about the incident and claimed the attack reflected what he described as “15 years of Maha-Jungle Raj” in West Bengal.

Meanwhile, the TMC condemned the killing and demanded a court-monitored CBI investigation into the matter.

The murder has once again intensified the bitter political rivalry between the BJP and TMC in the state, where allegations of political violence frequently dominate the political narrative.

Rath, a former Indian Air Force personnel, was considered one of Adhikari’s most trusted organisational aides and had reportedly worked closely with him for several years.

Bottom line

The killing of Chandranath Rath has triggered fresh political confrontation in West Bengal, with BJP alleging targeted political violence while the TMC has called for an independent investigation. The case is now expected to become a major flashpoint in the state’s already charged political atmosphere.

What to watch next

• Progress in the police and forensic investigation
• Whether the case is handed to the CBI
• Political reactions from BJP and TMC leadership
• Arrests linked to the shooting
• Impact on West Bengal’s political climate ahead of future elections