The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally taken over the investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, a day after three alleged sharpshooters were arrested in connection with the case, NDTV reported.
The move comes after the West Bengal Police recommended a CBI inquiry into the killing. According to a press release issued by the agency, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will handle the probe under the supervision of the Joint Director and Head of Zone (HoZ), Kolkata Zone.
The agency said officers and officials from the Kolkata Zone would be included in the SIT “as per requirement to ensure an effective investigation.”
Three accused arrested from UP and Bihar
The development follows the arrest of three accused by the West Bengal Police SIT during operations conducted in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
The accused were later brought to West Bengal on transit remand and produced before a court in North 24 Parganas district, which sent them to 13-day police custody.
"This is a breakthrough. The investigation indicated that the assailants were from outside West Bengal. Based on technical surveillance, digital tracking and other inputs, members of the SIT were sent to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. They arrested the three persons from UP and Bihar. They have been brought to West Bengal on transit remand," an officer told PTI.
Court sent the three suspects to 13 days of police custody, in Barasat, on Monday. ANI
Rath was shot dead days after poll results
Chandranath Rath was murdered on the night of May 6, just two days after the West Bengal Assembly election results were declared. The BJP won 207 seats in the election, while the Trinamool Congress was reduced to 80 constituencies.
SIT team under the leadership of SP intelligence Kamanashisih Sen inspects the spot where Chandranath Rath was shot, on May 7. File image/ANI
According to investigators, Rath was returning to his home in Madhyamgram after attending a party programme when his vehicle was intercepted at a crossing by a four-wheeler.
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Police said two motorcycles had allegedly been following Rath’s car. After the vehicle was blocked, one of the attackers riding a motorcycle reportedly came close and fired nearly 10 rounds at point-blank range.
Rath died on the spot, while his driver, Buddhadeb Bera, sustained critical injuries. Officials said Bera is currently recovering.
