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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.

Unlocking Criminal Cases Through Hair Evidence, Forensic Trichology

Hair holds secrets. Forensic trichology reveals them—uncovering trauma, toxins, or identity through microscopic and DNA analysis, and aiding justice in cases from murder to human trafficking.

Forensic trichology is the scientific study and analysis of human or animal hair in criminal investigations. It involves examining macro-microscopic characteristics, structures, and forms to provide valuable evidence in cases such as homicide, burglary, kidnapping and human trafficking cases, poisoning or drug-related cases, and wildlife crime and animal cruelty cases. Hair analysis can determine species origin, racial background, ethnicity, and whether the hair was forcibly removed. It may also reveal evidence of trauma, drug use, or toxin exposure. It is durable and resistant to decay, making it a reliable form of evidence in forensic contexts.


The scientific examination of hairs began in the early twentieth century, although its potential as forensic evidence was recognised even earlier. In 1910, Victor Balthazard and Marcelle Lambert published "Le Poil de l'Homme et des Animaux", which was one of the first comprehensive studies of human hair in relation to animal hair. Balthazard and Lambert's book described marked structural differences between human and animal hair, which laid the foundation for microscopic hair analysis. Over decades, forensic trichology has produced change from microscopic examinations to DNA analysis, which is now considered a powerful tool used to detect and solve crimes.


One of the notable cases involving forensic trichology was the 1999 PriyadarshaniMattoo case, where forensics conducted microscopy and DNA analysis of hairs collected from the scene of the crime. This scientific evidence added credence to the case against the accused, Santosh Kumar Singh, and helped in the conviction in 2006. Forensic trichology served as corroborative evidence to account for how Singh could have committed the crime. A second notable case was the Delhi gang rape (2012), where forensic trichology partnered with other biological evidence to confirm the presence of the accused in the crime scene. Hair analysis played a crucial role in reconstructing events, aiding in justice for the victim. Alongside other biological evidence, it helped establish the sequence of events, ensuring a fair outcome.


The Indian judicial system has consistently recognised the importance of scientific evidence, including forensic trichology, in the judicial process. Courts acknowledged that analysis of hair would prove extremely useful as corroborative evidence along with other findings in several cases, including the Priyadarshini Mattoo case. By acknowledging the faith worth of such evidence, the judiciary reinforced the complementary role of science and law in achieving justice.


Recent advancements in forensic trichology have transformed it into a cutting-edge discipline. Today, researchers use methods like mitochondrial DNA analysis, which is getting genetic material from hair shafts in the absence of roots. This has come in particularly handy for cold cases where evidence is decades old. The use of mass spectrometry in hair examination is another recent development. It helps in the detection of trace elements, drugs, and toxins in the hair with unparalleled accuracy. Further studies investigated hair proteomics, which analysed the protein content in the hair to gain insights into an individual’s genetic predispositions. Another area that gives hope is the use of AI and machine learning algorithms to analyse hair morphology. The algorithms can reveal important features through which identification will become easy.


Forensic trichology is still an essential part of contemporary criminal investigations. From its humble beginnings to the adoption of sophisticated technologies, it has proven its value time and again. The recognition of hair evidence by the Supreme Court of India and its application in high-profile cases underscores its reliability and importance. Forensic trichology is advancing with research and technology, enhancing precision in justice. Society's ability to uncover the truth evolves with science, ensuring a thorough examination of every strand of evidence.


(Dr. Kumar is a forensic consultant to the Assam government. Bora is a student of National Forensic University, Guwahati.)

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