Agra: In a joint operation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Muzaffarnagar police apprehended an alleged shooter involved in the murder of Chandranath Rath, the executive assistant to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The arrest occurred near a toll plaza in Muzaffarnagar's Chhapar area on Monday, officials confirmed.
The suspect, identified as Rajkumar Singh, a resident of Ballia district, was reportedly returning from Haridwar with his family when the joint team intercepted his vehicle. Sources revealed that the CBI had received prior intelligence about Singh's movement and laid a trap near the toll plaza with the assistance of local police. "As soon as the suspect's vehicle reached the spot, the joint team intercepted it and detained him," a source stated, adding that Singh was questioned for several hours after his arrest.
Investigators anticipate that Singh's apprehension will yield crucial leads regarding the murder conspiracy and the involvement of other suspects allegedly linked to the case. "The accused is likely to be taken for further interrogation after transit formalities, and his questioning may help establish the larger conspiracy behind the murder," an official remarked.
Following the arrest, the probe agency produced Singh before a local court and secured his transit remand. Officials indicated that he would now be transported for further questioning as investigators intensify efforts to identify others connected to the murder plot.
Rath was shot dead in Madhyamgram on May 6, two days after the declaration of results of the West Bengal Assembly polls. The attack occurred on a public road at Doharia in the Madhyamgram area. Police reported that the attackers had allegedly conducted detailed reconnaissance before targeting him.
State police had previously arrested three individuals in connection with the case. Two accused, Mayank Raj Mishra and Vicky Maurya, were detained from Buxar in Bihar, while another accused, Raj Singh, was taken into custody from Ballia in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. Police stated that at least eight people were allegedly involved in the conspiracy and execution of the murder. "The role of other suspects and the chain of planning are being examined," an official added.
