The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with Muzaffarnagar Police, has apprehended an individual identified as Rajkumar in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. This arrest took place on Monday, and Rajkumar is reportedly the principal shooter involved in the case.

Authorities indicate that Rajkumar was captured in Muzaffarnagar and is expected to be presented before the Special CBI Court in Kolkata on Tuesday, following the procurement of a transit remand by the agency.

Murder Details and Investigation

Chandranath Rath was allegedly shot near Madhyamgram on May 6 during the late night hours and succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter at a hospital. The CBI initiated an investigation by registering a First Information Report (FIR) based on a complaint lodged by the victim’s brother.

The investigation has been transferred from the West Bengal Police to the CBI due to official notifications from both the West Bengal Government and the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India. The CBI then re-registered the case as a regular investigation, invoking various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including are Sections 103(1) for murder, Section 61(1) for criminal conspiracy, as well as Section 111(2)(a) relating to organised crime, along with Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act.

The FIR was lodged under allegations of a systematic and professional conspiracy involving multiple unidentified individuals.

Other Arrests and Court Proceedings

In connection with this case, three additional suspects—Mayank Raj Mishra, Vicky Maurya, and Raj Singh—have also been apprehended and are currently in police custody until May 24. These individuals were arrested in separate operations across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

The Public Prosecutor, Advocate Bivas Chatterjee, conveyed to reporters that the prosecution is pursuing further charges related to the destruction of evidence, which the court has agreed to include. The current police custody for the apprehended individuals extends to thirteen days, allowing for a thorough investigation.

Chatterjee stated, “Three persons have been arrested, and the court has sent them to police custody till May 24. We also sought for the addition of the section relating to the destruction of evidence, which has been added by the court.” This development marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation as authorities aim to unravel the circumstances surrounding Rath’s death.

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