Opposition leader’s aide killed in coordinated ambush near Kolkata airport

Authorities in Kolkata, India, are investigating the fatal shooting of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari, after a coordinated ambush late on May 11 near the airport. Police said Rath was in a white SUV on Jessore Road when attackers intercepted the vehicle; the killing drew attention in Phuket because of its high-profile political links and the scale of the operation.

Investigators said a blocking vehicle forced the SUV to stop before eight armed men on motorcycles surrounded it. The assailants then opened fire at close range with handguns, sending multiple shots into the vehicle and killing Rath at the scene in West Bengal.

Evidence points to planned operation

A driver who was with Rath during the attack was injured and taken to a local hospital for emergency treatment. Police sources said the level of coordination suggested the suspects had carried out surveillance before the shooting.

Forensic teams recovered shell casings from the road and found that at least one vehicle used in the ambush had fake or altered registration plates. Officials are reviewing CCTV footage from the airport corridor to map the suspects’ escape route.

Police believe the gunmen may be professional contract killers. Investigators are examining possible motives including political rivalry and personal enmity.

Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYMN6asDmh5/