In a significant breakthrough regarding the high-profile murder case of Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant (PA) to senior leader Suvendu Adhikari, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended the prime suspect. The arrest was carried out in a joint operation with the Muzaffarnagar police in Uttar Pradesh. The individual taken into custody has been identified as Rajkumar, who is also known by the alias Raj Singh. According to investigative sources, Rajkumar is considered the main shooter responsible for the fatal attack on Rath.
Details of the Arrest and Legal Proceedings
The CBI team tracked Rajkumar to Muzaffarnagar, where he was hiding to evade capture. Following his arrest, the agency is now processing the necessary legal formalities to bring him back to West Bengal, while the CBI plans to seek a transit remand for the accused, after which he will be produced before the Special CBI Court in Kolkata on Tuesday. This arrest marks a pivotal moment in the investigation, as Rajkumar is believed to have played the most critical role in executing the murder. While the shooter has been caught, the underlying motive behind this violent act remains under investigation, with officials yet to clarify the exact reasons for the targeted killing.
The Night of the Incident
The murder took place on the night of May 6, occurring just two days after the declaration of the West Bengal Assembly election results on May 4. Chandranath Rath was returning to his residence in Madhyagram, located in the North 24 Parganas district, after attending a political party program. The timing of the incident, so close to the election results, had initially sparked significant political tension in the region. As Rath was traveling, his vehicle was suddenly intercepted, leading to a fatal confrontation that claimed his life on the spot.
Execution of the Ambush
Initial forensic and investigative reports suggest a well-planned ambush. As Chandranath Rath's car was moving, it was reportedly struck by a four-wheeled vehicle, causing it to come to a halt. It was at this moment that two motorcycles, which had been tailing Rath's car for a considerable distance, closed in. One of the motorcycles pulled up alongside the vehicle, and the assailant opened fire from close range. Reports indicate that approximately 10 bullets were fired during the attack. The intensity of the gunfire left Rath with no chance of survival, and he succumbed to his injuries immediately at the scene.
Casualties and Current Investigation Status
While Chandranath Rath lost his life in the hail of bullets, his driver, identified as Buddhadeb Bera, was also severely injured during the incident. Bera was rushed to a medical facility for treatment, and latest updates suggest that his condition is improving rapidly. With the arrest of Rajkumar, the total number of individuals apprehended in connection with this murder has risen to 4. Previously, the West Bengal police had arrested three other suspects, who are currently in CBI custody until May 23. The inclusion of the main shooter in the list of arrested individuals is expected to provide the CBI with deeper insights into the conspiracy and the individuals who may have ordered the hit.