Chandranath Rath murder case: Three detained; West Bengal CID, SIT takes over investigation

May 7, 2026

In a shocking incident amid post-poll tensions in West Bengal, Chandranath Rath, personal assistant and long-time close aide to senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead late on Wednesday night in a brazen ambush.

Three Individuals detained

Three individuals have been detained in connection with the killing of Chandranath Rath, a former Indian Air Force personnel and personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, police said on Thursday. Let us tell you that the West Bengal CID has taken over the probe. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by an IG-rank officer has been formed. 

Rath was shot dead near Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district in what investigators believe was a premeditated attack. According to preliminary findings, the assailants had been tracking the victim for several days before carrying out the shooting.

Police have formed multiple teams to investigate the case and are currently questioning the detained persons. Investigators have also recovered details of vehicles allegedly used in the crime, including reports of fake number plates.

The murder has sparked a major political controversy in West Bengal, with the BJP describing it as a “targeted political assassination.” Suvendu Adhikari termed the killing pre-planned and demanded a swift and impartial probe into the incident.

Who Was Chandranath Rath?

A former Indian Air Force personnel with nearly two decades of service, Rath hailed from Chandipur in Purba Medinipur. He later joined Adhikari’s team around 2019 and became a trusted backroom strategist, particularly active in key areas like Bhabanipur during the elections. Described as low-profile yet highly influential within BJP circles, Rath handled organisational coordination and logistics.