Investigation – CBI Forms Special Team to Probe Chandranath Rath Killing
Investigation – The Central Bureau of Investigation has officially stepped into the investigation surrounding the murder of Chandranath Rath, a close aide and personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The move comes days after the shocking attack in North 24 Parganas district triggered widespread political and security concerns across West Bengal.
The federal agency has constituted a seven-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the case in detail. The team will function under the leadership of DIG Pankaj Kumar Singh. Senior officers from multiple CBI branches across the country have been assigned to assist in the investigation, indicating the seriousness attached to the case.
Multi-State Officers Included in Investigation Team
Apart from Singh, the SIT includes Superintendent of Police Subhas Chandra Kundu and SP Anil Kumar Yadav, both currently posted in Delhi. Other members are Deputy SP Vikash Pathak, DSP Amit Kumar, DSP Kuldeep, and Inspector Vivek Srivastava, who is attached to the Lucknow unit of the agency. Officials from Dhanbad, Patna, and Ranchi divisions have also been brought into the probe.
The West Bengal government had initially directed its Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the murder soon after the incident took place. However, following developments in the case and growing attention around the killing, the CBI formally assumed control of the investigation.
Murder Took Place After Assembly Election Results
According to investigators, the attack occurred on the night of May 6 at Doharia in Madhyamgram, located in North 24 Parganas district. Chandranath Rath and another associate were returning to their residential apartment from Kolkata when unidentified assailants opened fire at close range. Both victims died in the shooting.
The incident happened just two days after the results of the 294-seat West Bengal Assembly elections were announced, adding further political sensitivity to the matter.
Suvendu Adhikari had earlier visited the Barasat state-run medical college and hospital, where Rath’s postmortem examination was conducted. At that time, he had stated publicly that the state police were capable of handling the investigation and that a central probe was not immediately necessary.
Three Accused Sent to Police Custody
Investigators have arrested three suspects in connection with the killing. The accused were brought to West Bengal and presented before a court in Barasat on Monday. The court remanded them to 13 days of police custody for further questioning.
Officials identified the arrested individuals as Mayankraj Mishra, Vicky Mourya, and Raj Singh. Mishra and Mourya are residents of Bihar’s Buxar district, while Singh belongs to Uttar Pradesh. Investigators suspect that at least one among them may have acted as a hired sharpshooter during the attack.
The accused have been booked under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to murder, criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms, and destruction of evidence.
Digital Evidence Helped Track Suspects
Sources connected to the investigation said authorities relied heavily on digital trails and interstate connections to identify and locate the accused persons. Multiple teams reportedly tracked communication records and movement patterns before carrying out the arrests.
Investigators now believe the conspiracy involved at least eight individuals. Raids are continuing in different locations across West Bengal and neighboring states to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects linked to the case.
Vehicles Used in Crime Recovered
The SIT has recovered two motorcycles believed to have been used during the assassination. Both vehicles were found near the crime scene but at separate locations. Investigators discovered that one motorcycle carried a fake registration plate. Officials also found signs that its chassis number had been altered in an attempt to hide ownership details.
The probe has also linked the suspects to a Nissan four-wheeler allegedly used during the operation. Authorities said the vehicle carried forged identification markings similar to those found on the recovered motorcycles.
Before these arrests, local police had detained three known criminals from the area for questioning as part of the early stage of the investigation. Officials say further arrests are likely as the inquiry progresses.