CBIInvestigation – CBI Expands Probe Into Aide’s Murder in West Bengal

CBIInvestigation – The Central Bureau of Investigation has formally launched an extensive probe into the killing of Chandranath Rath, a close aide to senior West Bengal political leader Suvendu Adhikari. Rath, who previously served in the Indian Air Force, was fatally shot near Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas earlier this month.

Rath was attacked late on the night of May 6 and later died while undergoing treatment at a hospital. The incident triggered widespread concern due to his association with a prominent political figure and the nature of the assault, which investigators suspect was carefully planned.

CBI Takes Control of Investigation

The investigation was transferred from the West Bengal Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation after approvals were issued separately by the state government and the Department of Personnel and Training under the Union Government. Following the transfer, the CBI registered a fresh FIR and began proceedings under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The agency has invoked sections related to murder, criminal conspiracy, and organised crime. Charges under the Arms Act have also been included as investigators continue to examine the use of illegal weapons in the attack.

According to officials, the FIR was filed based on a complaint submitted by Rath’s brother. In the complaint, he alleged that the murder was carried out through a coordinated conspiracy involving several unidentified individuals. Investigators are now examining possible links, communication records, and movement patterns connected to the case.

Senior Officer Assigned to Lead Inquiry

The CBI has appointed Subhash Chander Kundu, Superintendent of Police attached to the agency’s Special Crime unit in New Delhi, as the lead investigation officer. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that multiple teams have been formed to handle different aspects of the inquiry, including forensic examination, digital evidence analysis, and interrogation of suspects.

On Tuesday, officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation, along with experts from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, visited the crime scene in Madhyamgram. The teams reportedly conducted a detailed examination of the area where Rath was attacked in an effort to reconstruct the sequence of events.

Although officials refrained from sharing operational details, one CBI officer briefly stated that the agency was continuing its work as part of an active investigation.

Three Accused Sent to Police Custody

Meanwhile, three individuals arrested in connection with the case have been remanded to police custody until May 24. The accused, identified as Mayank Raj Mishra, Vicky Maurya, and Raj Singh, were reportedly apprehended during operations conducted in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

During court proceedings, the prosecution requested the addition of charges linked to the destruction of evidence. The court accepted the plea and included the relevant sections in the case record. Prosecutors argued that certain actions taken after the crime may have been intended to obstruct the investigation or remove crucial evidence.

Public Prosecutor Bivas Chatterjee informed reporters outside the court that investigators required extended custody to continue questioning the accused and gather additional material connected to the conspiracy. He stated that the court granted 13 days of police custody to support the ongoing probe.

Focus on Conspiracy and Organised Crime Angle

Investigators are expected to focus heavily on whether the killing was part of a larger criminal network or a targeted operation involving hired assailants. The organised crime provisions included in the FIR suggest that the agency is examining broader links beyond the immediate suspects already arrested.

The case has attracted significant public and political attention in West Bengal, with security agencies working to determine the motive behind the attack and identify any additional individuals involved. Officials have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation progresses.