In a significant breakthrough, authorities have apprehended a suspect in the high-profile murder case of Chandranath Rath, a close aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Raj Singh, a resident of Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, who had been living in Buxar, Bihar, was arrested in a joint operation by Kolkata and Ayodhya Police.
Singh was located and apprehended in Ayodhya after fleeing there following the May 6 killing. He has since been transported to Kolkata for further questioning as the investigation intensifies and spans multiple Indian states.
Multi-State Investigation and Key Digital Evidence
The probe into Rath’s murder has evolved into a complex, multi-state manhunt. Concurrently with Singh's arrest, the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) conducted raids in Buxar, detaining Vishal Srivastava, a known criminal. Srivastava was interrogated in Kolkata but was later released.
A critical piece of evidence has emerged in the form of a UPI payment. Investigators discovered a digital transaction allegedly made by the suspects at a toll plaza near Bally, on the outskirts of Kolkata. This digital breadcrumb is now a central focus, with police meticulously reviewing CCTV footage from the toll booth to map the movements of the accused both before and after the assassination.
Precision and Planning Behind the Attack
Chandranath Rath, a former Air Force officer, was fatally shot near his residence in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas. The attack occurred approximately 200 meters from his home when his SUV was intercepted by a silver Nissan Micra. As Rath's vehicle halted, bike-borne assailants opened fire at close range, killing him instantly while he was seated in the front passenger seat.
The methodical nature of the attack has not gone unnoticed by investigators. The precision with which the killers targeted Rath, knowing his exact seating position and routine, suggests extensive prior planning. Police believe the assailants possessed detailed knowledge of Rath's movements and vehicle arrangements.
Recovered Evidence and Ongoing Leads
Following the incident, police have recovered the silver Nissan Micra involved in the interception, along with two motorcycles. One motorcycle was found at the crime scene, and another was recovered from Barasat. Preliminary findings indicate that these vehicles were likely stolen and specifically acquired for the operation and subsequent getaway. The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together all aspects of the meticulously planned assassination.