Now a major breakthrough has been achieved in the high-profile assassination case that rocked West Bengal’s political circles. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the West Bengal Police has arrested three sharpshooters in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Therefore, the suspects were apprehended in Uttar Pradesh following a sophisticated cross-state investigation. Meanwhile, the breakthrough came when investigators tracked a digital UPI payment made at a toll booth, proving that even a meticulously planned crime can be undone by a single digital footprint.
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The Assassination: A 45-Day Plan Executed in Madhyamgram
Now the brutal murder of Chandranath Rath on May 6 took place just two days after the landmark West Bengal Assembly election results. Therefore, the timing and execution suggest a deep-rooted conspiracy that had been in the works for over a month and a half.
First, Rath was traveling home to Madhyamgram from a party program when his vehicle was blocked at a crossing by a four-wheeler. Next, a motorcycle shadowing his car pulled up beside him, and an assailant fired ten rounds from a close distance. Thus, Rath died on the spot in what appeared to be a professional “hit.”
So the precision of the attack indicated that the miscreants were well-trained sharpshooters. Meanwhile, his driver, Buddhadeb Bera, sustained critical injuries during the ambush. Therefore, the SIT was formed immediately to tackle the case, identifying it as a pre-planned political assassination.
Digital Forensics: How a UPI Transaction Cracked the Case
Now despite the use of fake number plates and multiple vehicles to mislead the investigation, the suspects made a critical error. They utilized a digital UPI payment at a toll plaza in Bali, near Kolkata. Therefore, this transaction provided the SIT with the technical leverage needed to identify the individuals inside the vehicle.
First, investigators scanned hours of CCTV footage from the toll plaza to match the vehicle with the payment time. Next, the digital data led them to a specific bank account, which eventually unmasked the identity of the occupants. Thus, the very technology intended for convenience became the primary tool for their capture.
So the reliance on digital trails is a growing trend in modern crime-solving. Meanwhile, the SIT coordinated with cyber cells to trace the movement of the account holders across state lines. Therefore, the arrest in Uttar Pradesh was a direct result of this “digital breadcrumb” left at the toll booth.
The Jharkhand Link: Fake Number Plates and Vehicle Recovery
Now the investigation has revealed a broader inter-state network involved in the logistics of the murder. The car used to block Rath’s vehicle was reportedly brought in from Jharkhand. Therefore, the planners had gone to great lengths to ensure the vehicles could not be easily traced back to West Bengal.
First, the SIT recovered the car on the day of the incident and discovered it was fitted with fake number plates. Next, two motorcycles used in the shadow operation were also found with similarly forged documentation. Thus, the intent to mislead the authorities was evident from the start of the probe.
So the Jharkhand connection suggests that the conspiracy involved collaborators outside of Bengal. Meanwhile, money was reportedly sent online from the car, adding another layer of digital evidence for the police. Therefore, the recovery of these vehicles has been central to reconstructing the events of May 6.
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Inter-State Operation: SIT’s Night-Long Interrogation at Bhabani Bhavan
Now after tracking the suspects to Uttar Pradesh, the SIT executed a swift operation to bring them back to West Bengal. The three sharpshooters were quietly brought to Kolkata on Sunday night. Therefore, they were immediately taken to Bhabani Bhavan, the state police headquarters, for questioning.
First, investigating officials interrogated the suspects throughout the night to determine the identity of the masterminds. Next, the SIT sought to uncover the exact financial trail that funded the 45-day operation. Thus, the focus has now shifted from the “shooters” to the “planners.”
So the details of the interrogation are being closely guarded by the state police. Meanwhile, sources indicate that the suspects have provided significant leads regarding the local support they received in Madhyamgram. Therefore, more arrests are expected in the coming days as the investigation deepens.
Political Aftermath: Suvendu Adhikari’s Explosive Reaction
Now the murder has predictably sparked a firestorm in West Bengal’s political landscape. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has made explosive claims regarding the motive behind the killing of his personal assistant. Therefore, he has directly linked the violence to his electoral victory at Bhabanipur.
First, Adhikari claimed that Rath was targeted specifically because of his association with the person who defeated Mamata Banerjee. Next, he suggested that the assassination was a form of political retribution following the May 4 election results. Thus, the case has become a focal point for the ongoing rivalry between the BJP and the TMC.
So the political climate remains tense as the SIT continues its work. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has vowed to ensure that the actual “handlers” of the sharpshooters are brought to justice. Therefore, the Chandranath Rath case is being viewed as a litmus test for the new administration’s handling of law and order.
Legal Proceedings: Seeking Police Custody at Barasat District Court
Now the legal process has moved into high gear following the arrests. The three suspects are scheduled to be produced before the district court in Barasat on Monday. Therefore, the public prosecutor will represent the SIT’s findings and seek immediate police custody.
Next Steps in Court:
Production: Presenting the accused before the magistrate.
Custody Plea: Seeking remand for further interrogation and crime-scene reconstruction.
Evidence Submission: Presenting the UPI transaction data and CCTV findings.
First, the SIT needs custody to verify the Jharkhand-Jharkhand link and the source of the weapons. Next, they will attempt to recover the actual firearms used in the ten-round shooting. Thus, the court appearance is a critical mechanical necessity for the ongoing investigation.
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Driver’s Condition: The Survival of Buddhadeb Bera
Now amidst the tragedy of Rath’s death, there is a focus on the recovery of the lone survivor of the attack. Buddhadeb Bera, Rath’s driver, remains in critical condition after being caught in the crossfire. Therefore, his testimony is considered vital for the eventual trial of the sharpshooters.
First, Bera was injured when the motorcycles pulled up beside the vehicle at the Madhyamgram crossing. Next, he is currently receiving intensive medical care, with police security tightened around his hospital room. Thus, the state is taking every precaution to protect its primary witness.
So the SIT has already attempted to record a preliminary statement from him. Meanwhile, his recovery is being monitored by the Chief Minister’s office. Therefore, while the sharpshooters are in custody, the human cost of the May 6 incident continues to be felt by the victims’ families.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions on the Rath Murder Case
1. Who was Chandranath Rath? Now, he was the personal assistant to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
2. How did the police catch the killers? First, the SIT tracked a digital UPI payment made by the suspects at the Bali toll plaza. Next, this led them to CCTV footage and account details that identified the shooters.
3. Where were the sharpshooters arrested? So they were apprehended in Uttar Pradesh following an inter-state search operation.
4. When did the murder take place? Next, Rath was assassinated on the night of May 6, 2026, in Madhyamgram.
5. Was the car used in the crime local? Now, investigation revealed the car was brought from Jharkhand and used fake number plates to mislead the SIT.
6. What was the motive behind the killing? Finally, while the SIT is investigating all angles, Suvendu Adhikari has claimed it was a targeted political killing due to Rath’s association with him.
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