CBI Takes Over Probe Into Murder Of Suvendu Adhikari’s Aide
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially taken over the probe into the murder of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, after three accused were arrested in connection with the case. The agency has now re-registered the FIR originally filed by Madhyamgram police and will conduct an independent investigation into the high-profile killing.
Chandranath Rath was shot dead on May 6 in the Doharia area of Madhyamgram in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district. According to investigators, Rath was attacked while sitting inside his car shortly after the Assembly election results were announced. He sustained critical injuries in the firing and later died at a private hospital. Officials suspect the murder was pre-planned and carried out after close surveillance of Rath’s movements.
Before the CBI stepped in, state investigators had arrested three accused identified as Mayank Raj Mishra, Vicky Maurya and Raj Singh. Raids were conducted in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to trace the suspects. Two accused were arrested from Buxar in Bihar, while another was detained from Ballia in Uttar Pradesh. The trio was later produced before a Barasat court, which granted 13 days of CID custody.
Investigators said a digital payment transaction helped crack the case. A UPI payment made near the Bally toll plaza reportedly helped police trace the movement of a vehicle suspected to have been used in the murder. CCTV footage and technical surveillance further strengthened the investigation, with officials suspecting that at least eight individuals were involved in planning and executing the attack.
Suvendu Adhikari earlier described Rath’s killing as a “pre-planned murder” and termed it a personal loss. The incident has since triggered a political storm in West Bengal, with both BJP and ruling party leaders exchanging allegations in the tense post-election atmosphere. With the CBI now leading the probe, focus has shifted towards uncovering the larger conspiracy and identifying all those involved in the targeted killing.
