The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a fifth suspect in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister of West Bengal and a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Vinay Rai was taken into custody in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, as part of the ongoing investigation into the case.

Officials confirmed the arrest, noting that Rai hails from the neighbouring Ghazipur district. While details regarding his specific involvement in this high-profile case remain undisclosed, he is believed to be part of a broader conspiracy surrounding the murder. As of the latest updates, Rai was being transported to Kolkata, where he is scheduled to be presented before a court on Wednesday.

Earlier Arrests Related to the Case

This apprehension marks the second arrest within a span of two days. On Monday, the CBI detained Raj Kumar Singh, popularly known as Raj Singh, in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. Singh has been identified as a critical suspect in Rath’s murder, further intensifying the investigation.

Initially, the West Bengal Police undertook the investigation into Rath’s murder. However, the case was later handed over to the CBI following a formal request from the West Bengal state government. By the time the CBI formally took control of the investigation, three arrests had already been made, indicating the prompt actions taken to address the crime.

Chandranath Rath, who served as the personal assistant to Adhikari, was killed on May 6, 2026, just two days after the announcement of the highly contested West Bengal Assembly elections for that year. This incident has attracted considerable attention due to the political implications surrounding it.

Investigation Details and Political Context

The CBI’s handling of the case has been closely monitored, given its high political stakes. Following the transfer of the investigation, the agency ramped up efforts to locate and apprehend those responsible for Rath’s murder. The arrests reflect a methodical pursuit of justice in what authorities consider a significant crime with far-reaching consequences.

As the investigation unfolds, officials are emphasising the need for thoroughness in uncovering the facts surrounding this incident. The murder has raised concerns about political violence and the safety of political figures in West Bengal, notably given the fierce competition witnessed during the recent Assembly elections.

Further updates on the investigation are anticipated as more information becomes available, and more suspects may potentially be identified. The CBI’s ongoing work aims to establish accountability in this case and to provide clarity on the events leading up to Rath’s tragic death.

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