Chandranath Rath Murder Case: Who Are The Suspects? Inter-State Operation Leads to Arrest of 3 Shooters in Suvendu Adhikari Aide Killing

The investigation into the high-profile murder of Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, reached a significant breakthrough on Sunday. In a coordinated multi-state operation, the West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID), in collaboration with police forces from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, arrested three professional sharpshooters. The suspects were apprehended following intensive technical surveillance and are believed to be the primary executors of a planned contract killing.

Inter-State Operation Leads to Arrests

The arrests were the result of a meticulously planned operation that spanned across state borders. According to the West Bengal CID, the suspects were tracked using CCTV footage and UPI transaction records. Two of the suspects were intercepted in Buxar, Bihar, while the third was taken into custody in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. Chandranath Rath Murder Case: 3 Sharpshooters Arrested in Uttar Pradesh, To Be Presented in West Bengal Court Today.

The Madhyamgram Police Station officially recorded the arrests on Sunday morning. Following their detention, the trio was brought to West Bengal for further interrogation. Investigators revealed that the breakthrough came after analyzing digital footprints and toll plaza payments made by the suspects during their escape.

Who Are The 3 Sharpshooters Arrested?

The three individuals arrested have been identified as Mayank Raj Mishra, Vicky Maurya (also known as Vicky Singh), and Raj Singh. According to police sources, each played a specific role in the execution of the crime:

• Mayank Raj Mishra: Allegedly responsible for logistics, he was reportedly caught on camera making digital payments at toll plazas during the group’s movement.

• Vicky Maurya: Suspected to be one of the shooters who opened fire on Rath. Authorities identified him as a history-sheeter with a documented criminal background in violent crimes.

• Raj Singh: Believed to be a key participant in the tactical planning and coordination of the murder.

The suspects are currently being questioned to identify the mastermind behind the hit and to determine if they received local logistical support within West Bengal.

The Contract Killing Angle

The murder of Chandranath Rath took place near Madhyamgram in the North 24 Parganas district shortly after the conclusion of the West Bengal Assembly elections. Rath, a close and long-time aide to Suvendu Adhikari, was intercepted and shot at close range while traveling. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has categorized the incident as a professional "supari" or contract killing. The precision of the attack, combined with the suspects’ criminal history, suggests that professional hitmen were hired to eliminate Rath. BJP leadership has previously described the incident as a "cold-blooded political assassination," though police are currently focusing on the criminal network involved. Chandranath Rath Killed: Suvendu Adhikari’s Aide Shot Dead in Bengal’s Madhyamgram; Another Critically Injured.

Next Steps in the Investigation

The three accused are scheduled to be produced before the Barasat Court, where the CID is expected to seek their custody for further questioning. The investigation is now shifting toward uncovering the "money trail" to identify who funded the operation. Police are also investigating the use of a motorcycle with a fake Jharkhand registration plate, which was reportedly used during the commission of the crime.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 11, 2026 12:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).