Kolkata: The Central Bureau of Investigation has officially taken over the investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.
On Tuesday, CBI officials visited the crime scene at Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district and carried out an inspection. Until now, the case had been under investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the West Bengal Police.
Three alleged sharpshooters — Mayank Raj Mishra, Vicky Maurya and Raj Singh — have already been arrested in connection with the murder. Sources said the accused are likely to be taken into CBI custody for detailed questioning.
According to investigators, the incident occurred on May 6 when Rath was returning home after attending a party programme. His vehicle was reportedly intercepted by a four-wheeler, following which bike-borne assailants opened fire at close range, killing him on the spot.
The murder had triggered political controversy in West Bengal, with BJP leaders demanding a central probe into the incident.
