Major Breakthrough in High-Profile Political Murder Case: Three Suspected Shooters Arrested in Multi-State Operation; Investigation Expands Across UP, Bihar and Jharkhand

Accused Vishal and the Car used in the crime

Agencies,May 11, 2026,  Kolkata : In a significant development in the murder case of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the West Bengal CID and Special Task Force have arrested three alleged shooters in a coordinated multi-state operation spanning Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand.

According to police sources, the accused have been identified as professional marksmen with prior criminal backgrounds. The arrests were made following intensive technical surveillance and digital tracking after Rath was shot dead in Madhyamgram on May 6.

The breakthrough came after investigators traced crucial digital footprints, including a UPI transaction made at the Bali Plaza toll plaza in Howrah, which helped identify the suspects’ movement. CCTV footage from the toll plaza further confirmed the use of a Nissan Micra car in the crime, which was later recovered from the Doharia area. Two motorcycles allegedly used in the attack have also been seized.

Police conducted late-night raids in Bihar’s Buxar district, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Mayank Raj Mishra and Vicky Maurya. Another accused, Raj Singh, was apprehended from Ballia in Uttar Pradesh. Reports suggest he had been hiding in Ayodhya after the shooting.

Investigators have also indicated that one of the key accused, Vishal, a known history-sheeter, may have played a central role in planning the contract killing. The police suspect the murder was a professionally executed assassination involving hired shooters, and efforts are now underway to identify the masterminds, financial handlers, logistical support networks, and weapon suppliers behind the operation.

The arrested individuals are being brought to West Bengal under transit remand and are expected to be produced before the Barasat Court. Officials believe their custodial interrogation could reveal deeper conspiracy links and political or criminal motivations behind the killing.

Meanwhile, the case has taken a new turn after the family of accused Raj Singh claimed innocence and demanded a CBI investigation. His mother alleged that he was wrongly implicated and stated that she possesses CCTV evidence showing his presence in Ballia on the day of the crime. She further said the family was detained during a trip and denied any connection between her son and Kolkata.

However, police sources confirmed that Raj Singh has a prior criminal record, including involvement in a 2020 murder case in Ballia, where he was earlier arrested along with an associate and illegal firearms were recovered.

Authorities in West Bengal maintain that strong digital and forensic evidence links the accused to the crime. However, Ballia police stated that they had not been formally informed about the arrest by West Bengal authorities.

The murder of Chandranath Rath on May 6 triggered widespread political tension in the state, with the victim reportedly being shot at close range while travelling in an SUV near Madhyamgram. The attackers allegedly intercepted his vehicle before opening fire with a Glock 47X pistol, killing him instantly.

The investigation is ongoing, with SIT officials continuing to trace interstate networks and possible masterminds behind what appears to be a planned and targeted assassination.