Kolkata, 11 May (H.S.) : The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the murder of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s personal aide Chandranath Rath has arrested three suspects from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in connection with the case.

The arrested accused have been identified as Mayank Sharma, Vicky Maurya and Raj Singh. According to police sources, at least one of the arrested individuals is believed to be a professional shooter.

Officials said Mayank Sharma and Vicky Maurya were arrested from Buxar in Bihar, while Raj Singh was apprehended from Ballia in Uttar Pradesh during a special overnight operation conducted by the SIT. All three accused have been brought to Kolkata and are scheduled to be produced before a court on Monday.

Chandranath Rath was shot dead on the night of May 6 in Madhyamgram. According to investigators, another four-wheeler suddenly blocked Rath’s vehicle on the road, forcing it to stop. Soon after, assailants arrived on two motorcycles from both sides and opened fire targeting Rath and his driver. Rath died on the spot, while his driver remains hospitalised.

The SIT formed to investigate the murder includes officers from the Special Task Force (STF) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the West Bengal Police.

Investigators suspect that the vehicle used in the crime was brought from Jharkhand. Police sources said online payment records from the Bali toll plaza helped investigators trace the movement of the suspects and identify possible leads in the case.

Preliminary findings suggest the murder was planned at least one to one-and-a-half months in advance. Investigators are examining whether Rath had any disputes or conflicts that could have led to the attack.

Police had earlier seized the four-wheeler used in the crime on the day of the incident itself. Investigators believe the number plate attached to the vehicle was fake. Two motorcycles allegedly used by the attackers have also been recovered, and their number plates too are suspected to be forged.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh