Kolkata, 11 May (H.S.) : The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the murder of Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has arrested three suspected accused from Uttar Pradesh.

According to sources, a team of investigators conducted a special operation in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday night and detained the three suspects. Preparations are now underway to bring the accused to Kolkata for further interrogation.

Chandranath Rath was shot dead on the night of May 6 at Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district. Investigators said Rath’s vehicle was intercepted after another four-wheeler suddenly came in front of his car, forcing it to stop. Soon after, assailants riding two motorcycles allegedly opened fire from both sides, targeting Rath and his driver.

Rath died on the spot, while his driver sustained serious injuries and is still undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The SIT formed to investigate the killing includes officers from the Special Task Force (STF) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the state police. Preliminary findings suggest that the car used in the crime had been brought from Jharkhand.

Investigators reportedly traced the suspects through an online toll payment made at the Bali toll plaza using the same vehicle. Acting on that lead, the police launched a search operation that eventually led them to Uttar Pradesh.

Police sources said the murder may have been planned at least one-and-a-half months in advance. Investigators are examining possible motives behind the killing, including whether Rath had any disputes or conflicts with anyone in recent times.

The vehicle used in the crime was seized on the day of the incident. However, investigators found that the number plate attached to the car was fake. Two motorcycles believed to have been used by the assailants were also recovered, and police suspect that both vehicles carried forged registration plates.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh