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Chandranath Rath murder case handed over to CBI
Kolkata: The murder case of Chandranath Rath, a close aide and personal assistant to Suvendu Adhikari, has taken a major turn after the investigation was officially handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The CBI will formally take charge of the probe from the West Bengal Police beginning Tuesday, a day after multiple arrests were made in connection with the case. Earlier, the state police had recommended a CBI inquiry considering the seriousness and sensitivity of the matter.
According to an official press release issued by the CBI, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be constituted to investigate the murder case thoroughly. The SIT will function under the supervision of the Joint Director and Head of Zone (HoZ) of the Kolkata Zone.
Officials said experienced officers from the Kolkata Zone would be included in the investigation team as required to ensure an effective and detailed probe into the murder.
The case has already sparked political discussion in West Bengal due to Chandranath Rath’s close association with senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The development comes amid rising political tensions in the state, with opposition parties demanding a transparent investigation and strict action against those involved.
Sources said the central agency is expected to examine all evidence collected so far by the state police, including statements, forensic reports and digital records. Investigators may also question the arrested accused again after formally taking over the case files.
While officials have not publicly revealed the motive behind the murder, the formation of an SIT indicates that the agency considers the matter highly sensitive.
Further developments are expected after the CBI begins its independent investigation. The development comes after three sharpshooters were arrested in Uttar Pradesh. The three accused were arrested by the West Bengal Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT). The three accused were remanded to 13-day police custody after they were brought to West Bengal and produced before a court in North 24 Paraganas district, an officer said.
