The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of West Bengal Police has arrested three suspected sharpshooters in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. Police detained the accused in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and will produce them before a Barasat court today.
Quick Glance
- Three suspects arrested in Chandranath Rath murder investigation
- SIT likely to seek police custody for detailed interrogation
- Attack took place in Madhyamgram on May 6 after Rath’s vehicle was intercepted
- Fake vehicle registration numbers used during the planned assassination
Three Suspects Arrested in Chandranath Rath Murder Probe
Kolkata/Agartala: The investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath has taken a major turn after West Bengal Police arrested three suspected sharpshooters linked to the crime. Rath served as the personal assistant of senior BJP leader and West Bengal Chief Minister-designate Suvendu Adhikari.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed specifically to investigate the killing, detained the accused based on intelligence inputs gathered during the past few days. According to officials, two suspects were held in Bihar, while another was arrested in Uttar Pradesh.
As per information shared by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the arrested individuals include Mayank Rai Mishra, Vicky Maurya, and Raj Singh. Investigators questioned the suspects extensively before formally arresting them.
The three accused were brought to Kolkata under tight security late Sunday night. Officers later shifted them to Bhabani Bhavan, the state police headquarters in south Kolkata, where interrogation continued overnight.
Police sources said the accused would be produced before the Barasat district court in North 24 Parganas on Monday. The prosecution is expected to seek police custody to uncover the larger conspiracy behind the murder.
SIT Maintains Secrecy Over Investigation
Investigators are proceeding cautiously in the high-profile case. Officials have not yet disclosed several operational details connected to the arrests. Police sources said the SIT intentionally withheld sensitive information to avoid disrupting the ongoing probe.
Authorities also refused to reveal the exact locations where the accused were apprehended. Senior officers believe more people may have been involved in planning and executing the attack.
The SIT is currently examining communication records, financial transactions, and possible political links associated with the suspects. Investigators suspect that the murder involved a professionally planned contract killing network.
How the Attack on Chandranath Rath Took Place
Chandranath Rath was murdered on the night of May 6, only two days after the West Bengal Assembly election results were announced. The political atmosphere in the state remained tense after the Bharatiya Janata Party registered a landslide victory by winning 207 Assembly seats.
According to the preliminary investigation, Rath was returning home to Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district after attending a political programme.
Police said a four-wheeler suddenly blocked Rath’s vehicle at a crossing. Investigators later discovered that two motorcycles had been following Rath’s car for a considerable distance before the attack occurred.
As Rath’s vehicle stopped, one motorcycle reportedly moved alongside the car. An armed assailant then opened fire from close range. Investigators said nearly ten rounds were fired within seconds.
Rath suffered multiple bullet injuries and died on the spot.
His driver, Buddhadeb Bera, sustained critical injuries during the firing. However, doctors treating him later confirmed that his condition improved steadily.
Fake Registration Numbers Used During Murder Operation
The investigation uncovered another crucial detail. Police found that the registration numbers used on the vehicles involved in the attack were fake.
The four-wheeler used to block Rath’s car reportedly carried forged number plates. Similarly, the two motorcycles used by the assailants also displayed fabricated registration details.
Investigators believe the accused carefully planned the murder to avoid immediate identification and arrest. The use of fake plates indicates that the attackers attempted to erase their trail after the crime.
The SIT is now tracing the origin of the vehicles and examining CCTV footage from multiple locations across North 24 Parganas and Kolkata.
Political Reactions Intensify Across West Bengal
The murder triggered strong political reactions across the state. BJP leaders accused political rivals of creating an atmosphere of violence after the election results.
Suvendu Adhikari claimed Rath became a target because of his close association with him. Adhikari stated that the attack was politically motivated.
He further alleged that Rath would not have been killed if he had not worked for the leader who defeated former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency by more than 15,000 votes.
Opposition parties have demanded a transparent and speedy investigation into the case. Meanwhile, the ruling establishment urged law enforcement agencies to complete the probe professionally and bring all conspirators to justice.
| Political Party | Seats Won |
|---|---|
| Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) | 207 |
| Trinamool Congress (TMC) | 80 |
Investigation Focus Shifts to Wider Conspiracy
The SIT is now trying to identify the masterminds behind the murder. Officials suspect that the arrested shooters may have acted under instructions from a larger network.
Investigators are examining mobile phone data, digital communication records, and travel histories of the accused. They are also probing whether financial incentives were offered to carry out the assassination.
Police believe further arrests may follow in the coming days as the interrogation progresses.
Security has also been tightened around senior BJP leaders in West Bengal after the incident raised concerns about political violence in the state.
The Chandranath Rath murder case has now emerged as one of the most sensitive political investigations in West Bengal in recent years.
People Also Ask (FAQ)
Who was Chandranath Rath?
Chandranath Rath was the personal assistant of BJP leader and West Bengal Chief Minister-designate Suvendu Adhikari.
Where were the accused arrested?
The suspects were detained from locations in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh during a coordinated SIT operation.
What did the investigation reveal about the vehicles used?
Police found that the vehicles involved in the murder carried fake registration numbers, suggesting a planned operation. (Edited)