Chandranath Rath murder case
Cloud TV Desk: Investigators probing the murder of Chandranath Rath, a close aide and personal assistant of senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, have made a major breakthrough after arresting three suspects from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. According to investigators, a digital UPI payment made at a toll plaza provided the crucial lead that helped track down the accused.
The arrests were made following coordinated operations involving the West Bengal Police SIT, CID, and police teams from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The three accused have been identified as Vishal Srivastava, Raj Singh, and Mayank Mishra. Officials suspect the men are professional sharpshooters hired to execute a planned assassination.
The murder took place on the night of May 6 near Rath’s residence in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Investigators say the attackers carried out the operation with precision and detailed planning.
According to police sources, the assailants first blocked Rath’s vehicle using a car fitted with a fake number plate. Moments later, gunmen arriving on motorcycles opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene.
Officials claim the entire attack was completed within 45 to 50 seconds, suggesting the involvement of trained shooters. Investigators also believe the attackers had prior knowledge of where Rath was seated inside the vehicle, indicating extensive surveillance before the attack.
A major breakthrough came after police analysed toll plaza records linked to the suspects’ vehicle. Authorities discovered that one of the vehicles used during the operation had made a toll payment using UPI. The digital transaction trail eventually helped investigators track the accused across multiple locations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Joint raids were subsequently conducted in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and Buxar in Bihar. During the operations, police arrested key suspect Raj Singh, who reportedly hails from Ballia in Uttar Pradesh but had been staying in Bihar’s Buxar district.
Investigators suspect that at least seven to eight individuals may have been involved in the conspiracy. Apart from the shooters, police believe additional operatives handled surveillance, vehicle movement, logistics, and escape planning.
Authorities are now attempting to uncover the full network behind the killing and determine who masterminded the operation.
The murder has triggered intense political reactions in West Bengal. Suvendu Adhikari described the killing as a “pre-planned murder” and hinted at possible political motives behind the attack. However, the ruling party has denied the allegations and demanded an impartial investigation.
Chandranath Rath was reportedly a former Indian Air Force personnel before joining active political organisational work alongside Suvendu Adhikari. Within BJP circles, he was considered a trusted and influential political aide.
Police are currently interrogating the arrested suspects and examining whether the murder was linked to political rivalry, personal enmity, or a larger organised criminal conspiracy.
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