West Bengal CID Takes Over Probe Into Murder of Suvendu Adhikari’s Aide Chandranath Rath

Kolkata, May 2026 : The Criminal Investigation Department on Thursday officially took over the investigation into the sensational murder of Chandranath Rath, the long-time personal assistant of senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who was shot dead late Wednesday night in North 24 Parganas district.

According to preliminary findings, Rath was returning home after attending a BJP programme when his vehicle was allegedly tailed by a motorcycle carrying the assailant. Investigators believe the attack was carefully planned and executed with precision.

Police sources said that as Rath’s vehicle approached the busy Doharia crossing area in Madhyamgram, a four-wheeler suddenly intercepted and blocked the car’s movement. Moments later, the motorcycle carrying the attacker reportedly came alongside Rath’s vehicle.

The assailant, who was wearing a helmet, allegedly opened fire at close range, killing Rath on the spot. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Buddhadeb Bera, sustained serious injuries and was rushed for medical treatment after suffering heavy bleeding.

State Director General of Police Siddh Nath Gupta confirmed that the number plates used on both the motorcycle and the four-wheeler involved in the attack were fake, suggesting a deliberate attempt to conceal the identities of those involved.

The DGP also stated that investigators recovered used cartridges and bullets from the crime scene. However, officials have refrained from revealing additional details, citing the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.

Soon after taking charge, CID officers reached the spot and launched a detailed ground-level probe. Investigators have begun examining CCTV footage from cameras installed around the area, including those attached to nearby residential complexes and commercial establishments, in an effort to trace the movements of the attackers before and after the shooting.

Meanwhile, Suvendu Adhikari claimed that police investigators had already secured important leads from the available surveillance footage. He has demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the killing of his close aide.

Security in the area has been significantly tightened following the murder. The crime scene has been cordoned off by CID personnel, while central security forces have also been deployed in and around the locality. Vehicular movement has been restricted in certain stretches, and police are regulating public access to the area as forensic examinations continue.

A three-member forensic team from Barasat Medical College and Hospital has been assigned to conduct Rath’s post-mortem examination. Sources said the team is being led by the head of the institution’s forensic department, assisted by two assistant professors.

Earlier, experts from the state police forensic department collected samples from Rath’s vehicle and surrounding areas for scientific examination. After the forensic process was completed, the damaged vehicle was removed from the scene.

The murder has triggered major political reactions across West Bengal, with opposition leaders raising concerns over law and order in the state and demanding swift action against those responsible for the killing.