Who Was Behind the Shocking Murder of Suvendu Adhikari's Aide? CID Takes Charge!

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police has taken over the investigation into the shocking murder of Chandranath Rath, a personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. Rath was shot dead by a motorcycle-riding assailant while returning home from a party event. Initial investigations reveal that his vehicle was blocked before the attack, and both the motorcycle and the blocking vehicle had fake license plates. The CID is currently reviewing CCTV footage for leads, while a forensic team prepares for the autopsy. The area has been cordoned off, and police have restricted movement to ensure a thorough investigation.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 7, 2026, 12:20 IST

CID Investigates the Murder of Chandranath Rath

Kolkata: On Thursday morning, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police assumed control of the investigation into the brutal murder of Chandranath Rath, who served as a personal assistant to Suvendu Adhikari and was shot by an assailant on a motorcycle.

Preliminary findings indicate that Rath was returning home late Wednesday night after attending a BJP event when he was pursued by a motorcycle driven by the attacker.

As Rath's vehicle approached the Doharia crossing in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas district, another vehicle obstructed his path.

Once Rath's vehicle was halted by this obstruction, the motorcycle rider, who was wearing a helmet, pulled up alongside and opened fire at close range, killing Rath instantly and severely injuring his driver, Buddhadeb Bera.

The state’s Director General of Police, Siddh Nath Gupta, confirmed that the license plates on both the obstructing vehicle and the motorcycle were counterfeit.

Additionally, the DGP reported that several spent cartridges and bullets were found at the crime scene, although he withheld further details to protect the integrity of the investigation.

At the time of this report, CID investigators had arrived at the murder site and commenced their on-site inquiry. They are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity, including cameras positioned outside nearby residential complexes.

Suvendu Adhikari mentioned that police informed him that investigators had obtained some leads regarding the murder from the CCTV recordings.

The area where Rath was killed has been secured by CID personnel, with central forces deployed to maintain order. Police have restricted vehicle and pedestrian movement in the vicinity.

A three-member forensic team from Barasat Medical College & Hospital is set to perform the autopsy on Rath's remains. This team is led by the head of the forensic department, assisted by two other professors from the same institution.

A forensic team from the state police had already visited the murder scene to collect evidence from Rath's vehicle and surrounding areas. The car was removed after the forensic team's examination was completed.