KOLKATA: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the murder of Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant, Chandranath Rath, has made significant progress with the arrest of three individuals. The investigation has now expanded across multiple states, as police suspect that hired sharp shooters from outside West Bengal carried out the killing with military-style precision.
Details of the Attack
Rath, a close aide of Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari, was gunned down inside his car near Doharia crossing in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas district, on the night of May 6. The incident occurred barely 170 meters from his residence. His driver, Buddhadeb Bera, sustained critical injuries in the attack and remains under medical treatment.
According to police, the attackers executed the entire operation in just 50 seconds. A silver-colored hatchback allegedly intercepted Rath’s vehicle before bike-borne assailants opened fire at close range. “It appears the shooters knew exactly where the target was seated inside the vehicle. The execution was swift and professionally coordinated,” a senior SIT officer stated.
Conspiracy and Suspects
Police suspect at least eight individuals were involved in the conspiracy, including local operatives who allegedly provided logistical support to the shooters. Investigators believe the attackers used a red hatchback and multiple motorcycles to flee after the attack. CCTV footage collected from the area showed another vehicle trailing the silver hatchback during the ambush. Authorities are now examining movement patterns, escape routes, and communication records to identify the remaining suspects.
The SIT has recovered two motorcycles linked to the crime: one near the airport area and another near rail gates 11 and 12 in Barasat. Preliminary findings suggest that both the motorcycles and the red hatchback had been stolen earlier and fitted with fake number plates to avoid detection.
Digital Trail Leads to Jharkhand
A key breakthrough came when investigators traced a UPI payment made at the Nivedita Setu toll plaza on May 6. Police said the digital trail led them to Jharkhand, where they suspect the silver hatchback used in the murder may have been procured. Sources in the investigation revealed that the attackers deliberately avoided using FASTag and instead made a direct digital payment, which allowed the SIT to track the vehicle’s movement into Kolkata.
Inter-State Probe
Police teams have been dispatched to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand as investigators probe possible inter-state criminal links. Investigators believe the murder was planned weeks in advance and executed with professional coordination involving criminals from multiple states. The SIT continues to gather evidence and track down all those involved in the conspiracy.
