The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reportedly taken over the investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The state police had investigated the case earlier.
As per the procedure, the investigating agency re-registered the state police FIR as its own case and initiated an independent investigation to evaluate the evidence and allegations, news agency PTI reported.
Based on its findings, the CBI will submit a report to the competent court and may either file an indictment against the accused or request the case be closed.
The RBI’s involvement comes after police earlier arrested two men from Bihar and one from Uttar Pradesh in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath on May 6. Mayanak Raj Mishra and Vicky Maurya were arrested in Buxar, Bihar, while Raj Singh was arrested by the West Bengal Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Ballia district in UP.
The three suspects were arrested after investigators traced a UPI transaction allegedly made by the attackers as they crossed Bally Square in Howrah, HT had earlier reported. A silver car allegedly used in the attack was seen crossing the toll plaza shortly before the shooting.
Who was Chandranath Rath?
Chandranath Rath was a 41-year-old former Indian Air Force soldier who was shot dead at close range inside his SUV while returning home in Madhyamgram area of North 24 Parganas district in Bengal.
The incident occurred just two days after the BJP came to power in the state, ousting the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government after 15 years.
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What happened the night of the murder?
According to police officials, on the night of the murder, the assailants chased Rath’s car for about 7 km and finally forced his car to stop. Rath was then shot five times and died instantly. His driver Buddhadeb Bera was also shot and injured.
According to police, the attackers abandoned the silver car after the incident and fled in a red car and a motorcycle. Police also found two motorcycles linked to the crime.
Also read: Suvendu aide murdered: Probe hinges on links with UP and UPI
Soon after the attack, Adhikari alleged that Rath was killed because of his close ties with BJP leaders across the country and alleged the involvement of the Trinamool Congress.
