In a sensational escalation of political rhetoric, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday directly accused Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee and his associates of orchestrating the murder of his personal assistant, Chandranath Rath, a case that had shaken the state shortly after the Assembly election results.

The Chief Minister made the explosive allegation following the filing of nomination papers by Hasirani Rath, mother of the slain aide, for the upcoming Nandigram by-election.

“Based on the information I have received, the ‘Nephew’s gang’ is behind Chandranath’s murder. A contract of Rs 2 crore was awarded to the shooters,” Adhikari claimed, intensifying the political storm surrounding the case.

Revealing what he described as critical leads, Adhikari stated that he had access to multiple phone call recordings linked to individuals from Diamond Harbour.

“I have listened to call recordings of many people from Diamond Harbour. However, since the case is sub judice, I will not say too much,” he said, suggesting that the investigation could reach higher levels if pursued fully.

Murder that rocked post-poll Bengal

Chandranath was shot dead at point-blank range in Madhyamgram just two days after the Assembly election results were declared on May 4. The killing occurred amid heightened political tensions following the BJP’s rise to power in the state. Rath was attacked by armed assailants while returning home, triggering widespread outrage.

Following a court directive, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the probe. While seven individuals have been arrested for their alleged direct involvement, the identity of the mastermind behind the murder remains unclear, with legal complexities continuing to stall definitive conclusions.

Bypoll battle turns symbolic

In a politically significant move, the BJP has fielded Rath’s elderly mother, Hasirani Rath, in the Nandigram by-election, turning the contest into a symbolic battle over justice and political accountability.

Adhikari’s direct accusation against Banerjee on the day of her nomination has sharply raised the political temperature, setting the stage for a high-voltage electoral and ideological confrontation in the state.

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