The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) carried out searches at multiple locations in West Bengal in connection with the killing of Suvendu Adhikari’s aide Chandrakant Rath, officials said on Saturday, per a report by News 18.
According to the report, the search operation began late Friday night and continued into the early hours of Saturday as investigators gathered evidence linked to the case, informed officials.
CBI takes over probe
The CBI recently assumed charge of the investigation from the West Bengal Police following a request from the state government.
Also Read | Police detain three in connection with Suvendu Adhikari's aide's killing
Officials said the agency has formed a seven-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) from its Special Crime division in Delhi. The team includes officers drawn from different units of the agency and will report to the Joint Director in Kolkata.
The move comes amid growing attention on the murder case, which took place shortly after the West Bengal Assembly election results were declared.
Murder took place days after poll results
Chandrakant Rath, who served as Adhikari’s executive assistant, was shot dead on May 6 in Madhyamgram, two days after the declaration of the state election results.
The incident occurred on a public road in the Doharia area of Madhyamgram and triggered a large-scale police investigation.
Three arrests already made
The state police had earlier arrested three people in connection with the case.
Two accused, Mayank Raj Mishra and Vicky Maurya, were detained from Buxar in Bihar, while a third accused, Raj Singh, was detained from Ballia in Uttar Pradesh.
Investigators believe the murder involved a larger conspiracy. According to police, at least eight individuals were allegedly involved in planning and carrying out the attack.
Also Read | CBI takes over Suvendu Adhikari's aide's murder case after major breakthrough
Officials suspect the attackers conducted detailed reconnaissance of Rath’s movements before targeting him.
The CBI is now expected to examine the evidence collected by the state police while also pursuing fresh leads through the searches conducted across multiple locations.
