Inside Suvendu Adhikari PA Chandranath Rath Murder Probe: What CBI Has Found So Far
Inside Suvendu Adhikari PA Chandranath Rath Murder Probe: What CBI Has Found So Far Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 15:06 IST The latest
Inside Suvendu Adhikari PA Chandranath Rath Murder Probe: What CBI Has Found So Far Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 15:06 IST The latest accused, identified as Raj Kumar Singh, was arrested in Muzaffarnagar while he was allegedly trying to flee to another state, possibly Uttarakhand. Rapid Read A damaged glass window of a vehicle after BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant Chandranath Rath was shot at from close range by unidentified assailants. (IMAGE: PTI) The investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath has widened further after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested a fourth suspect linked to the killing. The CBI tracked down another youth from Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia district for his alleged involvement in the murder case, days after the arrest of 25-year-old Raj Singh. The latest accused, identified as Raj Kumar Singh, was arrested in Muzaffarnagar while he was allegedly trying to flee to another state, possibly Uttarakhand. Sources said Uttar Pradesh Police assisted the CBI during the operation. The murder case has drawn major attention because Rath was a close aide and executive assistant to Suvendu Adhikari. Murder took place days after BJP victory Forty-one-year-old Chandranath Rath was shot dead in Madhyamgram in North 24-Parganas late on May 6. The killing took place shortly after the BJP’s massive victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections and two days before Suvendu Adhikari was announced as the new Chief Minister.
Investigators said Rath was travelling in a Mahindra Scorpio when the vehicle was ambushed. According to the probe, a Nissan Micra blocked the Scorpio’s path, allowing bike-borne attackers to approach and open fire. Rath was shot several times at close range. Two bullets pierced his heart and he died on the spot. Probe shifted from Bengal police to CBI The investigation was initially conducted by West Bengal Police before being handed over to the CBI. The central agency later registered a case under multiple sections, including murder and criminal conspiracy. Before Raj Kumar Singh’s arrest, the CBI had already arrested three accused in the case – Mayank Raj Mishra, Vicky Maurya and Raj Singh. The CBI said Raj Kumar Singh had played a crucial role in Rath’s murder and had remained absconding since the crime. Investigators also suspect that at least four more people were present during the attack. A senior officer described the killing as “a very well-planned murder" and said the accused had fled to different parts of the country to avoid arrest. Raj Kumar Singh arrested near Delhi According to investigators, Raj Kumar Singh was arrested during a joint operation by the CBI and Muzaffarnagar police. Officials said he was intercepted at the Chhapar Toll Plaza on the NH-58 highway while allegedly trying to flee to Delhi early on Monday morning. The CBI has obtained transit remand and is expected to produce him before the Special CBI Court in Calcutta.
Both Raj Kumar Singh and Raj Singh belong to Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh, though their homes are around 35 kilometres apart. Raj Singh is from the Kotwali area, while Raj Kumar belongs to Ratopur village in Rasra. What Raj Kumar Singh’s family said? Raj Kumar Singh’s family claimed they had no knowledge of his alleged involvement in the murder case or any links with Raj Singh. His father, Tribhuvan Narain Singh, who works as an electrician, said the family was shocked after learning about the arrest. He said they first came to know about the matter after receiving a phone call from a person claiming to be a CBI officer from Muzaffarnagar. According to him, the caller informed the family that Raj Kumar Singh had been detained in connection with Chandranath Rath’s murder. Tribhuvan Narain Singh also said a team of plainclothes officers had visited their house a day earlier and questioned family members about Raj Kumar’s whereabouts. What we know about Raj Kumar? Raj Kumar Singh is the second among Tribhuvan Narain Singh’s three children. According to the family, he had enrolled in a graduation course but later dropped out. His father said he wanted Raj Kumar to learn electrical work and join him in the trade, but the young man wanted to pursue something different. The family said he later went to Mumbai in search of work but returned after saying the weather did not suit him.
His father claimed Raj Kumar had worked on a platform and later as a security guard in Mumbai. However, Uttar Pradesh Police said his activities extended beyond what the family knew. A senior police officer said Raj Kumar had also briefly worked as a driver in Faridabad, something the family claimed they did not know. Tribhuvan Narain Singh said his son mostly kept to himself and rarely discussed his activities or contacts outside the village. He also admitted that there are a few assault cases registered against Raj Kumar. According to Ballia police, three assault cases are registered against him. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Delhi, India, India First Published: May 19, 2026, 15:06 IST News india Inside Suvendu Adhikari PA Chandranath Rath Murder Probe: What CBI Has Found So Far Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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