Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide Chandranath Rath was shot dead by unidentified assailants in North 24 Parganas on Wednesday night, triggering a massive police investigation into what officials suspect could be a professionally executed contract killing.

According to police, Rath, 42, was returning to his residence in Madhyamgram from Kolkata when his vehicle was intercepted near Doharia between Doltala and Madhyamgram Chowmatha around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday. Motorcycle-borne attackers allegedly opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene.

The vehicle’s driver, Buddhadeb Bera, also sustained bullet injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kolkata.

Senior police officials said investigators are examining CCTV footage from the crime scene and nearby areas, while multiple teams have been formed to identify and trace the attackers.

Director General of Police Siddhinath Gupta and CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh visited the spot during the night as the probe intensified.

Police suspect the assailants used sophisticated firearms, possibly Glock 47X pistols, generally associated with professional shooters.

“A weapon of this nature is generally not used by ordinary criminals. We are examining whether professional shooters were involved,” a senior police officer said.

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Investigators believe at least six to ten rounds were fired during the attack. The assailants reportedly wore helmets and used motorcycles without registration plates to avoid identification.

Police also seized a suspicious vehicle believed to have blocked Rath’s car before the shooting. However, officials said the number plate attached to the vehicle was found to be fake.

“We have recovered empty cartridges and live ammunition from the crime spot. At this stage, the motive behind the attack is not clear,” DGP Gupta told reporters.

The killing comes amid heightened political tension in West Bengal following the recent Assembly election results and reports of post-poll violence across parts of the state. (with Agency inputs)

The West Bengal Police are examining CCTV footage and have formed several teams to trace the assailants as part of its investigation into the killing of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide, a senior officer said on Thursday.

The police are also probing whether contract killers were engaged in the murder of Chandranath Rath, who was shot dead in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday night. “Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the crime spot and nearby areas, while multiple police teams have been formed to trace the assailants,” the police officer said.

According to preliminary information, Rath’s car was intercepted near Doharia between Doltala and Madhyamgram Chowmatha at around 10.30 pm by motorcycle-borne assailants who opened fire before fleeing.

DGP Siddhinath Gupta and CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh visited the spot during the night.

“A detailed investigation has begun. We are pursuing several leads,” the officer said.

Rath, 42, was returning to his residence in Madhyamgram from Kolkata, when the incident occurred, he said.

The vehicle was being driven by Buddhadeb Bera, who also sustained bullet injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kolkata, another officer said.

At least six to ten rounds may have been fired during the attack, he said, adding that the assailants reportedly wore helmets and used motorcycles without number plates to avoid identification.

The police suspect the use of sophisticated firearms during the attack.

According to preliminary forensic inputs, the assailants might have used Glock 47X pistols, he said.

“A weapon of this nature is generally not used by ordinary criminals. We are examining whether professional shooters were involved,” a senior West Bengal Police officer said on condition of anonymity.

Preliminary findings suggested that the assailants, suspected to be riding four motorcycles, intercepted Rath’s vehicle in a coordinated manner before firing multiple rounds from close range.

“A suspicious vehicle that allegedly blocked the way of the Rath’s car has been seized. However, the number plate attached to it was found to be fake,” Gupta told reporters at the spot.

“We have recovered empty cartridges and live ammunition from the crime spot. At this stage, the motive behind the attack is not clear,” the state DGP added.