Bengal CID Takes Over Chandranath Rath Murder Case; Forensic Teams Collect Evidence

Kolkata (IANS): The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the West Bengal Police officially took charge of the investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath on Thursday morning. Rath, the long-time personal assistant to Suvendu Adhikari, shot down by unidentified gunmen in Madhyamgram on Wednesday night.

Reconstructing the Ambush

Initial findings reveal a coordinated attack. As Rath returned home from a BJP program, a motorcycle followed his vehicle. At the Doharia crossing, a four-wheeler suddenly blocked Rath’s path, forcing his car to a halt.

The motorcycle driver, wearing a helmet, pulled up alongside the stationary vehicle and fired several rounds from close range. The gunfire killed Rath instantly and left his driver, Buddhadeb Bera, with grave injuries and heavy bleeding.

Fake Number Plates and Recovered Ballistics

State Director General of Police (DGP) Siddh Nath Gupta confirmed that the assailants used fake number plates on both the four-wheeler and the motorcycle. Investigators have recovered several used cartridges and live bullets from the crime scene, though officials are withholding specific details to protect the ongoing probe.

CSI and Forensic Progress

CID sleuths have cordoned off the assassination site, with Central forces deployed to secure the perimeter. Authorities have restricted all vehicle and pedestrian movement in the immediate area.

A forensic team from the state police has already processed Rath’s vehicle, collecting biological and ballistic specimens before moving the car from the site. Meanwhile, a three-member forensic team from Barasat Medical College & Hospital, led by the Head of the Department of Forensics, will conduct the autopsy.

CCTV Analysis and Leads

Investigating officers are currently analyzing footage from area CCTV cameras and nearby housing complexes. Suvendu Adhikari noted that police have already secured certain clues from these recordings.