CBI Takes Over Investigation of Chandranath Rath Murder Case in West Bengal

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is set to investigate the murder of Chandranath Rath, a personal assistant to a prominent political figure in West Bengal. Following a recommendation from the state government, the case has been transferred from local police to the CBI. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed, led by DIG Pankaj Singh, to delve into the circumstances surrounding Rath's death. Recently, three suspects were arrested in connection with the case, raising questions about the motives behind this high-profile murder. Rath was shot by assailants in Kolkata, and the investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to uncover the truth.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 12, 2026, 10:39 IST

CBI to Investigate High-Profile Murder Case

The investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath, a personal assistant to the opposition leader in the West Bengal Assembly, will now be handled by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This transfer from the state police to the CBI follows a recommendation from the West Bengal government. The CBI will commence its actions once the formal notification is issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

Formation of a Special Investigation Team

According to the CBI, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established to manage this case, led by an officer of DIG rank. This SIT will operate under the supervision of the Joint Director of the CBI in Kolkata and will include officers from the Kolkata CBI unit.

Members of the Seven-Member SIT

The seven-member team comprises officials from various CBI units, with DIG Pankaj Singh from the Delhi CBI unit serving as the team leader. The members include:

Pankaj Kumar Singh, DIG/HoB, CBI Delhi (Team Leader)

Subhah Chandra Kundu, SP, CBI Delhi

Anil Kumar Yadav, SP, CBI Delhi

Vikas Pathak, DSP, CBI Dhanbad

Amit Kumar, DSP, CBI Patna

Kuldeep, DSP, CBI Ranchi

Vivek Srivastava, Inspector, CBI Lucknow

Arrests Made in Connection with the Murder

This development comes shortly after the Bengal police arrested three individuals in connection with the murder case. The arrests were made by the SIT of the West Bengal police, and the suspects were presented in a court in North 24 Parganas after being brought back to the state, where they were remanded to police custody for 13 days.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Vishal Srivastava from Pandiyapatti in Bihar's Buxar district, while the other two are from Uttar Pradesh. Investigators suspect that one of them is a sharpshooter. An official stated, "This is a significant breakthrough. The investigation revealed that the attackers were from outside West Bengal. Based on technical surveillance, digital tracking, and other information, SIT members were dispatched to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where they apprehended three individuals. They have been brought to West Bengal on transit remand."

Details of the Murder Incident

Chandranath Rath was shot dead on the night of May 6 by unidentified assailants in the northern outskirts of Kolkata. The incident occurred in the Dolatala area of Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas, where Rath, who served as the executive assistant to the opposition leader in the state assembly, was targeted by attackers on motorcycles who fired at close range.

Reports indicate that the assailants pursued Rath's car, forced it to stop, and shot him through the closed window before fleeing the scene immediately after the attack. Rath was seated in the front passenger seat next to the driver.

Injuries Sustained by the Driver

The driver of Rath's vehicle was also shot and has been admitted to a hospital in Kolkata, where his condition is reported to be critical.