CBI takes over probe into murder of West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikaris aide

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation into the murder of Suvendu Adhikari’s aide Chandranath Rath and registered an FIR in the case, officials said.

The agency stepped in following a request from the West Bengal government and has formed a seven-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) from its Special Crime division in Delhi.

Officials said the team includes experienced investigators drawn from multiple units of the agency and will report to the Joint Director of the CBI’s Kolkata zone. Officers from the Kolkata branch are also assisting in the probe.

According to officials, the CBI team has already reached the crime scene and initiated its investigation. As per procedure, the agency has re-registered the FIR earlier filed by the state police as its own case.

Chandranath Rath, who served as the executive assistant to Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in Madhyamgram on May 6, two days after the declaration of the West Bengal Assembly election results.

The attack took place on a public road in the Doharia area of Madhyamgram. Rath sustained critical bullet injuries and was rushed to a private hospital, where he was declared dead.

Earlier, the West Bengal Police had arrested three individuals from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in connection with the murder after tracing a UPI transaction allegedly linked to one of the suspects at a toll plaza.

The accused — Mayank Raj Mishra, Vicky Maurya and Raj Singh — were arrested following technical surveillance, digital tracking and field investigations conducted by the state SIT.

Police officials said a vehicle suspected to have been used in the murder had crossed the Bally toll plaza before the incident, where one of the occupants allegedly made payment using UPI, helping investigators trace the suspects.

The three accused have been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including murder, criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of arms and destruction of evidence.

Investigators believe at least eight people were involved in planning and executing the murder. Police suspect the attackers conducted detailed reconnaissance before targeting Rath.

The CBI is expected to independently examine all evidence gathered so far and submit its findings before a competent court after completing the investigation.