Three persons have been arrested from Uttar Pradesh in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide of senior BJP leader and West Bengal opposition figure Suvendu Adhikari, police officials said on Monday.
The arrests were made by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the killing, which took place in the Madhyamgram area of North 24 Parganas district on the night of May 6. According to police, the accused were detained in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday and later formally arrested by the investigating team.
Officials said the SIT had been conducting an extensive investigation involving technical surveillance, movement tracking and coordination with police units outside West Bengal following the murder. The identities of the arrested individuals have not yet been officially disclosed by authorities.
Chandranath Rath was known to be closely associated with Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and a prominent BJP leader in the state. His killing had triggered political reactions and renewed concerns over law and order in Bengal’s politically sensitive districts.
Police sources said Rath was attacked in the Madhyamgram area late on May 6. He later succumbed to injuries, following which a high-level investigation was launched. Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the exact motive behind the killing, and officials stated that all possible angles, including personal rivalry and political links, are being examined.
The SIT constituted for the probe reportedly expanded its search beyond Bengal after receiving leads suggesting that suspects may have fled the state following the incident. Coordination between West Bengal Police and Uttar Pradesh Police led to the detention and subsequent arrest of the three accused.
Senior police officials stated that the accused are expected to be brought to West Bengal for further questioning and legal proceedings. Investigators are also examining whether additional individuals were involved in planning or executing the attack.
The murder has intensified political debate in West Bengal, where clashes and allegations of political violence frequently dominate public discourse, particularly during election periods and local political disputes.
Suvendu Adhikari and BJP leaders had earlier demanded a thorough investigation into Rath’s killing and accused the state administration of failing to curb political violence. The ruling Trinamool Congress has denied opposition allegations regarding political targeting.
Police officials said forensic evidence, CCTV footage and call detail records are also being analysed as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not ruled out further arrests in the case.
The SIT continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder while security has reportedly been increased in parts of North 24 Parganas district following the incident.
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