Kolkata Shock as High-Profile Murder Case Escalates to Central Agency Investigation
The investigation into the killing of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant of West Bengal leader Suvendu Adhikari, has now been formally handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Officials confirmed that the Central Bureau of Investigation has constituted a seven-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG)-rank officer to lead the probe into the sensational murder.
Rath, a former Indian Air Force personnel who later worked closely with Adhikari, was shot near Madhyamgram on the night of May 6. He was rushed to hospital but later died due to the severity of his injuries.
Three Accused in Custody, Investigation Deepens
Law enforcement agencies have already arrested three individuals identified as Mayank Raj Mishra, Vicky Maurya, and Raj Singh. All three have been sent to police custody until May 24 following a court order.
The arrests were made after coordinated operations across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where the suspects were traced based on investigative inputs. Authorities formally took them into custody after interrogation earlier this week.
During court proceedings, prosecution counsel provided further updates on legal proceedings.
“Three persons have been arrested, and the court has sent them to police custody till May 24, i.e., 13 days of police custody. We also sought for the addition of the section relating to the destruction of evidence, which has been added by the court,” said Public Prosecutor Advocate Bivas Chatterjee.
Allegations of Planned Attack Trigger Political Storm
Suvendu Adhikari has described the killing as a “premeditated murder,” asserting that Rath was deliberately targeted due to his proximity to him and his political role following Adhikari’s electoral victory over former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur.
The incident has intensified political tensions in West Bengal, with opposition voices demanding a deeper, impartial probe.
Opposition Demands Independent and Court-Monitored Probe
The Trinamool Congress has called for a court-supervised CBI investigation, insisting that only an independent inquiry can ensure justice in the case.
Similarly, the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee has also urged for a judicially monitored investigation, echoing concerns over fairness and transparency in the ongoing probe.
Case Now Under National Spotlight
With the CBI stepping in and a dedicated SIT taking charge, the case has now shifted into a high-intensity federal investigation. Authorities are expected to intensify questioning of the accused and examine whether the murder was part of a larger conspiracy.
The coming weeks are likely to be crucial as investigators attempt to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the killing of Chandranath Rath.
