CBI Investigates Murder of Suvendu Adhikari's Assistant

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath, who served as a personal assistant to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Rath was reportedly shot three times at close range while in a moving vehicle, an incident that has drawn significant attention in the state politics.

On May 11, 2026, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed by the CBI, comprising seven senior officers tasked to look into the case. This development follows the earlier arrest of three suspects identified as Mayank Raj Mishra, Vicky Maurya, and Raj Singh, who were apprehended by the West Bengal Police’s SIT in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

The case has escalated tensions in the region, especially given that the murder took place shortly after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a decisive victory in the State Assembly elections. The Uttar Pradesh Congress has alleged that one of the suspects, Raj Singh, has connections to BJP politicians. They shared on social media that Singh had been seen in photographs with various party members and used the hashtag '#Mission2026' in reference to a potential political campaign.

A video reportedly displaying Singh campaigning for the BJP during the upcoming Lok Sabha election has also circulated, although its authenticity remains unverified. The police noted that the suspects have a history of criminal charges.

Following their capture, the accused were presented in a West Bengal court and have been remanded to police custody for a duration of 13 days. Authorities are continuing to search for additional suspects, suggesting that the investigation may uncover more involved parties.

The Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, has insinuated that the crime was politically motivated. He stated, "If he was not my aide or if I did not defeat outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur, maybe they would not have targeted Rath.”

Following Rath's murder, the Trinamool Congress, the primary opposition party in the region, condemned the act and swiftly called for a court-monitored investigation by the CBI. Local police have categorised the incident as a case of organised crime and anticipate that further developments will arise as the investigation proceeds.