The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) produced three accused individuals before a district court in Barasat, North 24 Parganas, on Monday in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, a personal assistant to West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari. The court, following submissions by Public Prosecutor Bivas Chatterjee, granted 13 days of police custody, extending until May 24, 2026, to facilitate a deeper probe into the conspiracy behind the killing.
Court Proceedings and Security Measures
The accused were brought to the court under heavy security, with their faces covered to protect the identification process. The prosecution argued that custodial interrogation was essential to uncover deeper links and identify possible accomplices involved in the crime. The court also approved the CID's request to add charges related to destruction of evidence, as investigators claimed preliminary findings suggested attempts were made to erase evidence.
Additional Charges Invoked
Beyond the murder charges, the authorities have invoked additional legal sections, including those under the Arms Act, against the accused. The CID emphasized the need for sustained interrogation to trace the conspiracy's origins and ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice. The case has drawn significant attention due to the political implications, with Suvendu Adhikari being a prominent figure in West Bengal politics.
