Kolkata, 08 May (H.S.) : Police have intensified surveillance and search operations across West Bengal’s border districts amid suspicion that professional shooters from neighbouring states may have been involved in the murder of a close aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, senior officials said on Friday.

Investigators are also probing the possible role of local criminals who may have provided logistical support to the assailants before and after the attack.

More than 36 hours after the killing of Chandranath Rath, a personal assistant to Suvendu Adhikari, police are yet to make any arrests in the case.

Rath was shot dead by motorcycle-borne gunmen on Wednesday night in Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district.

According to investigators, the attackers appeared to have carried out extensive reconnaissance before executing the murder. Police believe the gunmen allegedly followed Rath’s vehicle before opening fire.

“A detailed investigation is underway. The manner in which the attack was carried out suggests extensive reconnaissance and the possible involvement of hired sharpshooters from outside the state,” a senior police officer said.

Police stations across border districts have been put on alert, while intensified vehicle checks and surveillance are being conducted at multiple locations.

Investigators are also scanning CCTV footage from areas along Jessore Road and adjoining routes to trace the movements of the assailants.

“The escape route used by the gunmen suggests they were either familiar with the locality or had assistance from local criminals. Escaping so quickly through the lanes would have been difficult without local support,” another senior officer said.

Authorities, however, are yet to establish the motive behind the murder.

Search operations by police and detective department teams are continuing in and around Madhyamgram near Kolkata. Additional police personnel and central forces have also been deployed in the area following the incident.

During the investigation, police traced the motorcycle allegedly used in the crime to a registration made in 2012 in the name of a resident of Burnpur. However, officers later found that no person by that name currently resides at the address provided during the registration process.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh