Suvendu Adhikari aide murder case: Three arrested from UP and Bihar, interstate links under probe

The investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has expanded across multiple states with police arresting three suspects from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, officials said on May 11.

According to investigators, two accused were arrested from Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh while another suspect was detained from Bihar’s Buxar district during coordinated raids carried out by West Bengal Police teams.

Authorities said the arrests were made after investigators traced phone records, movement patterns and alleged logistical links connected to the murder.

Chandranath Rath, considered a close associate of Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead earlier this week in East Midnapore district, triggering major political controversy in West Bengal. The murder took place shortly before the swearing-in of the BJP government in the state and had intensified tensions between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Police sources said investigators are examining whether the accused had prior criminal backgrounds or political connections. Raids were also conducted at multiple locations in Buxar and Ayodhya as part of efforts to identify additional suspects and establish the sequence of events leading to the killing.

According to reports, investigators suspect the accused may have received logistical support from outside West Bengal. Police teams are now analysing financial transactions, call data records and travel histories linked to the arrested individuals.

The murder has become a major political flashpoint in the state. BJP leaders have alleged that the killing was politically motivated and demanded a central investigation into the case. The TMC has denied the allegations and accused the BJP of politicising the incident.

West Bengal Police officials said the investigation is continuing and more arrests are possible in the coming days. Security has also been tightened in parts of East Midnapore and nearby districts following the incident.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, attended Rath’s funeral and demanded strict action against those responsible for the killing. The case is now being closely watched because of its political implications in the aftermath of the recent Assembly election in West Bengal.