The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet against 11 people in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, before the Barasat Court.

According to CBI sources, two brothers, both BJP workers who were arrested in Uttar Pradesh several days ago, allegedly hired professional contract killers from the state to execute the assassination. Investigators have also found evidence indicating that the brothers paid a substantial sum to the alleged killers.

CBI sources said the alleged conspiracy to eliminate Rath had been in the works since December last year. The accused reportedly changed their plans several times before finally carrying out the murder.

Rath was allegedly shot dead at point-blank range on May 6, two days after the West Bengal Assembly election results were declared. The killing took place around 50 metres from his residence.

The CBI has so far arrested six accused in connection with the case — Manu Singh, Raj Singh, Golu Singh, Mayank Raj Mishra, Vicky Maurya and Naveen Kumar Singh.

Investigators have also arrested three alleged middlemen who reportedly played a role in arranging the contract and facilitating the transfer of money for the killing.

According to the agency, interrogation of the arrested accused has yielded several details about the alleged conspiracy. However, one more suspect believed to be linked to the network remains absconding, and the CBI has launched a search operation to trace him.

Political conspiracy angle under probe

The timing of Rath’s murder, coming just two days after the Assembly election results, has prompted investigators to examine the possibility of a wider political conspiracy.

The CBI is probing whether other influential individuals may have been involved in planning or directing the alleged murder from behind the scenes. Investigators are also examining possible links between the alleged contract killing and political developments surrounding the election.

Despite filing a preliminary charge sheet against 11 accused, the CBI has not yet established the exact motive behind Rath’s killing.

The agency is continuing its investigation into the alleged conspiracy and is probing the possible involvement of other individuals in the case.

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