Breakthrough in Chandranath Rath Murder Investigation Linked to Digital Payment
The investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to West Bengal's Chief Minister, has seen significant progress. Authorities have linked a digital payment made at a toll plaza to the suspects, leading to the detention of three individuals from Bihar. The use of CCTV footage and UPI transactions has provided crucial evidence, while a Special Investigation Team has been formed to delve deeper into the case. As the investigation unfolds, more details about the suspects and their criminal backgrounds are emerging, raising questions about the broader implications of this high-profile case.
May 11, 2026, 13:31 IST
Significant Progress in the Investigation
The investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has made a notable advancement with the discovery of a digital payment at a toll plaza near Kolkata. Authorities reported that three individuals from the Buxar district in Bihar have been detained in connection with the case. Investigators traced a suspected UPI transaction made by the assailants while crossing the Bally toll plaza in Howrah, as initially reported by a local news outlet.
How UPI Payments Led to Suspects
Tracing the Suspects Through Digital Transactions
The silver-colored vehicle used in the attack passed through the toll point shortly before the shooting, with the occupants making a toll payment via UPI. This transaction enabled investigators to identify a mobile number linked to a suspect. CCTV footage from the toll plaza captured images of the vehicle and its passengers, providing crucial insights into the suspects' activities prior to the murder. Officials involved in the investigation revealed that the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) has detained three suspects - alleged criminals Vishal Srivastava, Mayank Mishra, and Vicky Maurya. However, there has been no official confirmation of their arrests yet. Meanwhile, Buxar SP Arya confirmed that a team from West Bengal police conducted a raid in Buxar district and apprehended several suspects. He noted that interrogations are ongoing, but further details were not disclosed. Srivastava reportedly has over 22 criminal cases registered against him, including murder and robbery.
Use of Fake License Plates and Weapons
Details of the Attack and Escape
Investigators revealed that after the shooting, the assailants abandoned the silver car and fled using a red car and a motorcycle. Police later recovered two motorcycles linked to the crime—one near the scene and another approximately six kilometers away in Barasat. Authorities indicated that all vehicles had fake license plates, and the engine and chassis numbers had been tampered with to conceal their identities. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and STF have jointly established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the murder further.