Jharkhand Car Used in Chandranath Rath Murder: Bengal Police

Kolkata: Investigators probing the high-profile murder of Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant to West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, revealed on Sunday that the car used in the crime was brought from Jharkhand. This new lead has shifted the focus of the probe toward interstate criminal networks, as a Special Investigation Team (SIT) intensifies its hunt for the killers.

The Digital Trail: Online Payments and CCTV

A senior police officer confirmed that the miscreants used the vehicle to make online UPI payments, providing a critical digital footprint for the investigators. The police are currently analyzing the transaction details to identify the account holders.

Furthermore, the SIT has collected and is scrutinizing CCTV footage from the Bali toll plaza, which reportedly captured the vehicle’s movement. While the car and two motorcycles used in the attack have been recovered, police noted that all vehicles carried fake number plates designed to mislead the probe.

Interstate Manhunt and Strategic Planning

The investigation has now expanded beyond West Bengal:

• UP Search: Members of the SIT, which includes officers from the STF and CID, have traveled to Uttar Pradesh following specific leads regarding the suspects’ whereabouts.
• Pre-planned Execution: Preliminary findings suggest that the plot to assassinate Rath was hatched at least 45 days ago.
• The Ambush: On the night of May 6 in Madhyamgram, a four-wheeler intercepted Rath’s car, forcing it to stop. Assailants on two motorcycles then opened fire from both sides, killing Rath instantly and critically injuring his driver.

Political Heat and Demands for Probe

The murder has sparked a fierce political row in West Bengal. While the BJP has pointed fingers at the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the ruling party has officially condemned the incident. In a strategic move, the TMC has demanded a CBI investigation under the direct supervision of the court to ensure a fair trial.

As of Sunday evening, several individuals have been detained for questioning, though formal arrests are yet to be made. Investigators remain hopeful that the combination of UPI data and Jharkhand-linked vehicle records will lead to a breakthrough shortly.