Chandranath Rath Murder Case: CBI Searches Swaroop Nagar Residences

On Saturday, the Central Bureau of Investigation carried out search operations in Delhi’s Swaroop Nagar area as part of its investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath, who served as the personal assistant to West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari.

Officials said ED personnel and the Delhi Police Special Cell jointly conducted the raids to locate a suspect allegedly connected to the killing.

Investigators carried out searches at two houses in Swaroop Nagar for several hours. They, however, did not find the individual they were tracing.

After the operation, the investigating team issued a notice to the suspect’s father. The notice directed him to cooperate with the probe and ensure the person appears before the agency.

Investigators have meanwhile found that the SUV allegedly used in the murder brought from neighbouring Jharkhand.

The CBI is examining the movement of the vehicle, the role of the accused and the larger conspiracy linked to the case.

According to sources, arrested suspect Mayank Raj Mishra spoke to investigators about the case. He said a Jharkhand-based individual had hired him to transport the vehicle to Barasat in North 24 Parganas district. Mayank Raj Mishra allegedly drove the vehicle from Jharkhand to West Bengal.

Investigators said he later changed the number plate near the Barasat rail gate. The vehicle reportedly carried a fake registration linked to an RTO in Siliguri.

Sources added that Mishra claimed he was paid Rs 1 lakh for delivering the vehicle. After handing it over, he allegedly travelled to Buxar via Howrah Station, where he was later arrested.

Unknown assailants shot Rath near Madhyamgram on May 6. He died in the attack two days after the declaration of the West Bengal Assembly election results.

Investigators suspect the SUV intercepted his vehicle while motorcycles followed him for some distance.

One attacker allegedly fired around 10 rounds at close range. Rath died at the scene, while his driver, Buddhadeb Bera, suffered serious injuries and is recovering.

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