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By:

Akhilesh Sinha

25 June 2025 at 2:53:54 pm

External involvement in Chandranath’s murder

Political and Geopolitical forces behind the killing in West Bengal New Delhi: The 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections have not only signaled a new trajectory in Indian politics but have also stirred ripples in global geopolitics. The unprecedented victory of the BJP in the state brought to light events that reveal how the long-standing cycle of political power struggles and violence is now emerging in a new form. The most alarming manifestation of this shift came late Wednesday night with...

External involvement in Chandranath’s murder

Political and Geopolitical forces behind the killing in West Bengal New Delhi: The 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections have not only signaled a new trajectory in Indian politics but have also stirred ripples in global geopolitics. The unprecedented victory of the BJP in the state brought to light events that reveal how the long-standing cycle of political power struggles and violence is now emerging in a new form. The most alarming manifestation of this shift came late Wednesday night with the murder of Chandranath Rath, personal secretary to senior BJP leader Shuvendu Adhikari. Chandranath Rath, a veteran who served 15 years in the Indian Air Force, was closely working with his family friend and senior BJP leader, Shuvendu Adhikari. His killing is more than an isolated personal attack and it signals a disturbing new dimension of political violence. Historically, electoral violence in West Bengal has targeted the workers of losing parties. This time, however, even the leaders and workers of the winning side have fallen victim. The implications of this violence extend beyond the state's borders. Following the BJP's landslide victory in West Bengal, the activity of anti-India elements in neighboring countries has intensified. Bangladesh and Pakistan have expressed concern over the party's victory, while China and the United States are also closely monitoring its implications. This highlights that election results in border states now carry geopolitical significance far beyond local politics. For decades, West Bengal and Assam have been treated as strategic zones in broader geopolitical games, with external forces allegedly attempting to maintain unrest in these regions over the past seven decades, like Jammu-Kashmir. Investigations into Chandranath Rath's murder indicate a pre-meditated conspiracy. The assailants used advanced Glock 47X firearms, suggesting that the plot was not confined to local planning alone. The crime occurred just 60 kilometers from Basirhat, near the Bangladesh border, which strengthens the likelihood of external involvement. Violent History History shows that violence and muscle power have always been intertwined with West Bengal politics. From the "Khaddo Movement" of the 1960s to slogans like "Dam Dam Dawai," political action was often synonymous with coercion, intimidation and murder. During the Left Front era, strategies like "scientific rigging," booth capture, and leveraging local goons became commonplace. Later, the Trinamool Congress inherited these structures and kept them under its control. Today's events demonstrate that this system remains alive. Border Dynamics The complexity of border areas and communal dynamics further complicates the scenario. In constituencies along the West Bengal and Assam borders, Muslim candidates secured victories, while regions adjacent to West Bengal in Bangladesh are represented by members of Jamaat-e-Islami. Groups like Jamaat-e-Islami have long pursued anti-India agendas, and their influence can be seen in electoral outcomes across these areas. The BJP's recent victory, and the violence that ensued, draw attention to geopolitics. The President of the United States congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking an unprecedented acknowledgment of a state-level BJP win. In contrast, Pakistani and Bangladeshi media have reacted with alarm, while discussions in Bangladesh's parliament highlight concern for the Muslim communities in these regions. Local outbreaks of violence further underline that West Bengal is no longer merely a domestic political theatre, however, this is a hub of geopolitical activity, where external forces seek to keep unstable and chaotic. This cycle of political violence extends beyond individual acts. It has become a complex mix of administrative inefficiency, local political rivalry, and external interference. The immediate presence of DGP Siddh Nath Gupta and CRPF DG Gyanendra Pratap Singh at the crime scene underscores the gravity of the situation. Chandranath Rath's murder is not merely a personal tragedy but a broader political and societal security challenge. The events echo the 1970s when Naxalism emerged in West Bengal, eventually spreading across India's "Red Corridor." Rath's assassination makes it clear that politics in West Bengal is no longer limited to electoral competition or local governance. The incident lays bare the intertwined realities of political violence, international geopolitics, and social security concerns. If the current trends continue, West Bengal may evolve into a region sensitive not only to national politics but also to global strategic interests.

Forensics in Solving Highway Crashes

Forensic science sheds light on every skid mark, crash, and clue, ensuring justice is served to road crash victims.

Highway Crashes

Highway accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury in India, with over 1.5 lakh lives lost annually, many on highways. Highways often become hotspots for accidents due to speeding, drunk driving, and poor road conditions. Forensic science uncovers the truth behind such tragic events by applying scientific principles to analyse evidence, removing speculation, and ensuring justice for victims.


In highway accident investigations, tire marks (impressions from stationary or moving tires) reveal the direction of travel, while skid marks (friction marks like skid, yaw, and scuff marks) provide insights into sudden manoeuvres: braking attempts and loss of control. Crash reconstruction tools like 3D modelling and simulations assess impact forces, vehicle speeds, and the sequence of events. By analysing the length, width, and patterns of these marks, experts can identify vehicle types, detect faulty brakes or tire defects, and estimate the collision point.


To extract digital evidence from vehicles, forensic experts first document key details such as the vehicle's make, model, VIN, and odometer reading and conduct a physical inspection with photographs. Using forensic tools like Berla iVe software, they access the infotainment system or other modules. If present, removable media like SIM cards or SD cards are extracted separately. For non-destructive methods, data is retrieved directly, but if deeper access is needed, a chip-off extraction is performed with written approval, as it is destructive. Extracted data, including vehicle speed, braking, GPS logs, and system activities, is analysed to reconstruct events.


Forensic toxicology tests are used to detect alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. CCTV footage can capture crucial moments of the accident, helping to validate or challenge eyewitness accounts. DNA and blood analysis are used to identify victims, determine the cause of death, and assess the presence of substances. Weather and environmental conditions, like rain or poor lighting, can affect driving conditions. Forensic photography documents the accident scene and helps preserve evidence for legal proceedings. Together, these elements provide a comprehensive understanding of the incident, helping to establish accountability.


Recently in the Pune Porsche Crash (May 2024), forensics revealed the car’s speed of over 150 km/h and the intoxication of the underage driver, ensuring accountability. The Yamuna Expressway Crash (January 2024) exposed tire failure due to improper air pressure, stressing vehicle maintenance. The Cyrus Mistry Accident (2022) underscored the importance of rear seatbelts, while the Balasore Train Tragedy (2023) revealed signal lapses, leading to safety improvements. Actor Salman Khan's car allegedly ran over five people sleeping on a pavement in Mumbai, killing one and injuring four. Salman was accused of rash and negligent driving and fleeing the scene. Four men were charged with intentionally dragging 20-year-old Anjali Singh to death under a car (2023), despite chances to save her, while two others were accused of misleading the investigation. Forensic experts reconstructed the case by analysing the crime scene and examining skid marks, blood traces, and clothing fragments along the route. The car was examined for bloodstains and fibres, while CCTV footage, GPS data, and call records were analysed to track the vehicle's movements and timeline.


Between 2018 and 2022, 2.45 lakh deaths were reported in hit-and-run cases in India, but only 33,212 cases resulted in convictions. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra lead in hit-and-run fatalities, accounting for a significant share of deaths. The Supreme Court stated that delay in filing an FIR does not reject motor accident claims unless the evidence is weak or insufficient. Despite a rising conviction rate, improving from 28% in 2018 to 47.9% in 2022, over 2 lakh cases remain pending. With rising highway accidents, strengthening forensic capabilities is crucial.


(Dr. Kumar is a former IPS officer and forensic consultant to Assam government. Das is a student of FSU, Guwahati. Views personal.)

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