On Tuesday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) visited the Madhyamgram crime scene in North 24 Parganas district, where assailants shot dead Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, earlier this month.
The central agency assumed charge of the investigation from the West Bengal Police after authorities formally transferred the case on Tuesday morning.
Soon after completing official procedures, CBI officers reached the assassination spot to begin their inquiry.
Previously, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the state police handled the probe.
The SIT had already arrested three alleged sharpshooters identified as Mayank Raj Mishra, Vicky Mourya and Raj Singh. All three currently remain in West Bengal Police custody.
Sources indicated that the CBI may soon seek custody of the arrested accused for further interrogation and reconstruction of events linked to the murder conspiracy.
Rath was killed on May 6, only two days after the West Bengal Assembly election results were announced.
BJP secured victory in 207 Assembly constituencies, while the Trinamool Congress was reduced to 80 seats.
According to investigators, bike-borne assailants intercepted Rath’s vehicle while he was returning home from a party programme in Madhyamgram.
A four-wheeler allegedly blocked the vehicle before one attacker opened fire from close range and discharged nearly 10 rounds.
Rath died instantly, while his driver, Buddhadeb Bera, sustained serious injuries and continues recovering.
Investigators later discovered that the number plates on the motorcycles and four-wheeler used during the attack were fake.
Adhikari earlier claimed Rath became a target because of his close association with him following the electoral defeat of Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur.
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