‘Was Killed Because He Was My Aide And I Defeated Mamata’: Suvendu On PA’s ‘Premeditated’ Murder

Demanding swift action against those responsible, the BJP leader said the family was seeking strict punishment for the accused.

Suvendu Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur (PTI)

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari described the killing of his personal assistant Chandranath Rath as a “premeditated murder,” alleging that the attack was politically motivated and linked to his electoral victory over West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency.

Speaking to reporters at Rath’s residence in Madhyamgram after the body was brought home from the hospital, Suvendu Adhikari said the murder was a targeted and carefully planned operation.

“No matter how much we condemn the way this murder was carried out, it is not enough. He was killed because he was my aide, and I defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur. This could be the reason for his murder,” Suvendu Adhikari said.

Demanding swift action against those responsible, the BJP leader said the family was seeking strict punishment for the accused.’

Read more: Chandranath Rath’s Death Revives 2013 Mystery Around Suvendu Adhikari’s Ex-PA Pradip Jha

“I stand with his family, and the family’s demand is to apprehend those who committed this murder and ensure they are punished. The postmortem revealed that four bullets were fired at him… this murder was premeditated,” he said.

Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the attackers had monitored Rath’s movements for days before carrying out the shooting.

“This was a planned operation. A recce was conducted for several days, and the victim was followed before being shot at close range,” he claimed, adding that medical findings suggested the attack was intended to ensure “instant death.”

Calling it a “cold-blooded, planned attack executed by contract killers,” Suvendu Adhikari maintained that Rath had no criminal background or known personal enmity.

“He had no criminal background and no political hostility. His only identity was that he worked with me,” he said.

The BJP leader also said he would personally support Rath’s family and oversee efforts to ensure justice.

“My duty and responsibility are to look after his daughter and his wife. The family’s demand is to arrest these killers as quickly as possible, file a chargesheet, and ensure they receive capital punishment,” he said.

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