Suvendu Adhikari PA murder: Probe handed over to CBI day after three arrests, SIT formed
PTC News Desk: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will officially take over the investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, from today. Earlier, the West Bengal Police had recommended handing the case over to the CBI.
According to the CBI, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be formed to investigate the case under the supervision of the Joint Director and Head of the Kolkata Zone. Officers from the Kolkata Zone will be included in the team as needed to ensure a proper investigation.
This development comes after West Bengal Police arrested three sharpshooters in Uttar Pradesh. The accused were later brought to West Bengal and sent to 13 days of police custody by a court in North 24 Parganas.
Chandranath Rath was shot dead on May 6, just two days after the West Bengal Assembly election results were announced on May 4. In the elections, the BJP won 207 seats, while the Trinamool Congress was reduced to 80 seats.
On the night of the murder, Rath was returning to his home in Madhyamgram after attending a party programme when his vehicle was stopped at a crossing by a four-wheeler. Police said two motorcycles had been following his car. After the vehicle was blocked, one of the attackers came close on a motorcycle and fired around 10 rounds at close range.
Rath died on the spot, while his driver, Buddhadeb Bera, was seriously injured. He is now recovering.
- With inputs from agencies
