Three Nabbed from UP, Bihar in Suvendu Adhikari PA Killing

Kolkata, May 11: Police have arrested three men from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who was shot dead near his home in Madhyamgram, officials said on Monday.

Rath was gunned down late on May 6 in the Doharia area of North 24 Parganas after his SUV was intercepted by a Nissan Micra, following which bike-borne assailants opened fire at close range. His driver was injured in the attack, while another occupant escaped unhurt.

According to a senior CID officer, the attackers used coordinated positioning, blocking Rath’s vehicle before two gunmen fired using Glock pistols, triggering a multi-state manhunt led by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Police said Mayank Raj Mishra and Vicky Maurya were detained from Buxar in Bihar, while Raj Singh was held from Ballia in Uttar Pradesh on May 10. All three were formally arrested after interrogation.

Investigators suspect the accused are professional shooters with criminal backgrounds, with one believed to be a history-sheeter. The murder is being probed as a possible contract killing, with efforts underway to identify those who financed or ordered the attack.

A breakthrough came after police traced a toll payment linked to the Nissan Micra at Bally Bridge, helping map the suspects’ movement across states.

Officials believe the attackers conducted prior surveillance and executed a meticulously planned ambush using multiple vehicles and sophisticated firearms.

The SIT is continuing interrogation of the accused and probing the larger conspiracy, including the role of other accomplices. The three accused will be produced before a court in Barasat. (Agencies)