Suvendu Adhikari PA Chandranath Murder Case: 3 Sharp Shooters Arrested From UP, 3-State Link Emerges

New Delhi: The West Bengal CID made a breakthrough in the murder case of Chandranath Rath, a Personal Assistant to Suvendu Adhikari. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) detained three suspects in Uttar Pradesh after a multi-state manhunt. The suspects, known as "infamous marksmen" with histories of targeted killings, were arrested based on technical surveillance. 

According to a press release, the arrests were made in connection with Madhyamgram Police Station Case No. 353 dated May 6, registered under sections 103(1), 111(2)(a), 126(2), 3(5) and 61(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) read with sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act.

Police said Mayank Raj Mishra and Vicky Maurya were detained from Buxar in Bihar, while Raj Singh was detained from Ballia in Uttar Pradesh on May 10 based on specific leads developed during the investigation.

According to police sources, all accused are history-sheeter with  lengthy criminal records. Investigators suspect his involvement in the high-profile assassination, which took place in Madhyamgram on May 6. The investigation suspects a contract killing, investigating who might have hired the shooters.

The suspects are undergoing intensive questioning to detail their movements before the murder and their pathway to Uttar Pradesh. Authorities are also seeking information on who provided logistical support, including local intelligence and weapons. 

Professional contract killers from Buxar captured on CCTV were apprehended in a border area during a joint operation and will soon be presented at Barasat Court.

The investigation into the sensational murder of Chandranath Rath, has taken a significant turn as the West Bengal Police expanded their probe into Bihar. In a late-night operation, a special team of the Bengal Police conducted a raid in Buxar, Bihar, where they detained a man identified as Vishal.

Following his detention, the Bengal Police have brought Vishal to Kolkata for intensive questioning. Authorities believe his interrogation could provide a breakthrough in identifying the masterminds and the larger conspiracy behind the planned ambush that claimed the life of Adhikari's most trusted aide.

Rath's murder caused political turmoil in West Bengal, prompting the case's assignment to a specialized team for rapid investigation amid escalating tensions. The arrests are viewed as a vital link towards identifying the conspirators. Further developments are anticipated as the CID plans to present the suspects in court for transit remand.

West Bengal CID announces a breakthrough in the murder case of Chandranath Rath from May 6, 2026, in Madhyamgram, with the arrest of three suspects. Case registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act. On May 10, 2026, Mayank Raj Mishra and Vicky Maurya were detained in Buxar, Bihar, while Raj Singh was apprehended in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. The investigation is ongoing to uncover more details.

Rath, who served as the executive assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead on May 6 near his home in Madhyamgram in what investigators describe as a professional, "pre-planned" contract killing.  

The suspects are being brought to West Bengal and are scheduled to be produced in the Barasat Court today. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) tracked the killers using technical surveillance after discovering that the vehicles used in the hit-including a car with fake plates linked to a Siliguri resident-had connections to an organized gang in UP. 

Police expect the custody of these shooters to provide critical leads in identifying the mastermind behind the high-profile assassination.