West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide Chandranath Rath murder case has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a day after three suspects were arrested in connection with the killing. The decision to transfer the probe to the CBI comes amid growing political attention surrounding the case. According to officials, the central agency has formed a special investigation team to continue the investigation and examine the wider conspiracy angle behind the murder.

Chandranath Rath, considered a trusted associate of Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district on May 6. He was reportedly returning from a political programme when unidentified attackers intercepted his vehicle and opened fire. His driver was also injured in the attack. West Bengal Police had launched a special investigation immediately after the incident. On Sunday, police arrested three accused from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar after tracking their movements through technical surveillance and digital payment records. Investigators suspect that more individuals may have been involved in planning and executing the attack.

Police sources said one of the arrested men is believed to have played the role of the shooter, while others allegedly helped in logistics and escape arrangements. The accused were later brought to West Bengal for further questioning. Following the arrests, demands for a central probe intensified, with BJP leaders alleging a larger political conspiracy behind the murder. The transfer of the case to the CBI is expected to further escalate the political battle between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state.

Officials said the CBI will now re-examine all evidence collected so far, including CCTV footage, mobile records, and financial transactions linked to the suspects. The agency is also expected to investigate whether the accused were hired for the crime and if any masterminds were operating behind the scenes.

The murder has triggered fresh concerns over political violence and law-and-order issues in West Bengal. Security around senior BJP leaders in the state has also reportedly been reviewed after the incident. The investigation is currently ongoing, and officials have not ruled out further arrests in the coming days.