Investigation – West Bengal SIT Tracks Interstate Links in Rath Murder Case
Investigation – The Special Investigation Team probing the murder of Chandranath Rath has intensified its investigation after tracing digital evidence and interstate connections that allegedly led to the arrest of three suspects from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
The arrests were confirmed by police officials on Monday in connection with the killing of Chandranath Rath, who was known to be associated with West Bengal leader Suvendu Adhikari. The murder took place late on May 6 in Madhyamgram, located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.
SIT Expands Probe Beyond West Bengal
According to investigators, the case quickly expanded beyond state borders after technical surveillance and digital tracking pointed toward suspects operating from outside West Bengal. Officials said teams from the Special Investigation Team were dispatched to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar after gathering key electronic evidence and communication records.
Police identified one of the arrested individuals as Vishal Srivastava, a resident of Pandiyapatti village in Bihar’s Buxar district. The two other accused were reportedly detained from different locations in Uttar Pradesh. Authorities believe that one of the arrested men may have been working as a professional sharpshooter.
An officer associated with the investigation described the arrests as a significant development in the case. The official stated that the coordinated operation involved continuous monitoring of digital activity, technical intelligence gathering, and interstate coordination between police units.
Investigators Suspect Larger Criminal Network
Officials involved in the investigation suspect that the murder was not carried out by a small group acting independently. According to preliminary findings, at least eight individuals are believed to have participated in planning and executing the attack.
Police sources indicated that the accused may have conducted extensive reconnaissance before targeting Rath. Investigators are examining whether the suspects visited the area multiple times before the murder in order to study movement patterns, routes, and possible escape plans.
The SIT is also reviewing mobile phone records, travel details, and financial transactions linked to the accused. Authorities believe these digital trails played an important role in locating the suspects across state borders.
Focus on Planning and Execution
Investigators are now attempting to establish the complete sequence of events leading up to the killing. Officials suspect that the operation may have been carefully planned well in advance rather than being a spontaneous act.
Police are also working to determine whether additional individuals were involved in providing logistical support, transportation, or shelter to the accused before and after the crime. Several leads are reportedly being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Sources familiar with the case said that forensic evidence and surveillance footage collected from nearby areas are being analyzed alongside statements from witnesses. Authorities are expected to question the arrested men further to identify the remaining suspects believed to be connected to the case.
Security and Political Attention Around the Case
The murder has attracted considerable political and public attention due to Rath’s association with senior political leadership in West Bengal. Security agencies are maintaining close coordination while the SIT continues its investigation.
Officials have not yet disclosed the possible motive behind the killing, stating that the inquiry remains active and sensitive. Police said further arrests cannot be ruled out as investigators continue tracking others allegedly linked to the conspiracy.
The arrested individuals are expected to be produced before the court following procedural formalities. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are continuing raids and searches in multiple locations as part of efforts to identify the remaining accused persons connected to the murder case.