BackPOLITICS
Suvendu’s aide ambushed and shot dead in 50 seconds, police call premeditated murder
Police say the killing was a premeditated, 50-second ambush in Madhyamgram, with a block-and-fire incident through tinted glass. Rath died, his driver was injured, and a third BJP worker survived; investigators recovered a car and a two-wheeler used by the attackers and formed a special investigation team. The incident drew political condemnation and calls for a court-monitored CBI probe.
Why It Matters
Represents alleged political violence and the authorities’ response, highlighting concerns for security of political aides and the push for an independent inquiry.
Timeline
5 Events
TMC condemns killing and calls for court-monitored CBI probe
May 7, 2026
The Trinamool Congress condemned the incident and demanded a court-monitored CBI probe to identify and bring those responsible to justice. The party said violence and political killings have no place in democracy.
Police form special investigation team and begin questioning suspects
May 7, 2026
A special investigation team (SIT) has been set up to probe the killing. Investigators said they were questioning some persons and gathering CCTV footage from residential buildings in the area.
Casualties and hospital treatment
May 6, 2026
Rath sustained five bullet injuries and died on arrival at the hospital. His driver, Budddadeb Bera, sustained three bullet injuries but was stabilized and later moved to a hospital in Salt Lake. A third BJP worker, Mintu, who was seated in the rear seat, escaped unhurt. It was around 10:15 pm when Rath and Bera were brought to the hospital.
Evidence recovered: car and two-wheeler linked to attackers seized
May 6, 2026
Police seized two vehicles used by attackers: the white Scorpio SUV involved in the ambush, found at the crime spot after the killers abandoned it, and a separate two-wheeler located about five kilometres away in Madhyamgram.
Ambush lasts about 50 seconds as Rath’s SUV is targeted
May 6, 2026
Three assailants wearing helmets waited with two motorcycles in a dark lane beside a packaging unit on Doharia Lane. As Rath’s white Scorpio SUV arrived, a Nissan Micra hatchback approached from the opposite direction and blocked the road. The trio emerged, fired at Rath’s vehicle through tinted glass, and fled on the two motorcycles in opposite directions after abandoning the car. The operation lasted between 10:08:50 pm and 10:09:40 pm IST.