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Suvendu Adhikari aide murder case: CBI to take over; SIT to be formed after 3 arrests
On May 12, 2026, the CBI announced it would take over the Suvendu Adhikari aide murder case from West Bengal Police. A Special Investigation Team will be formed under Kolkata Zone supervision, following the arrest of three shooters in Uttar Pradesh the previous day. The killings occurred on May 6, two days after West Bengal’s assembly results were announced.
Why It Matters
The transfer of the case to the central agency and formation of an SIT indicates heightened central involvement in a politically sensitive killing in West Bengal, potentially affecting ongoing investigations and public perception of law enforcement impartiality.
Timeline
5 Events
CBI to take over investigation; SIT to be formed under Kolkata Zone supervision
May 12, 2026
The West Bengal Police had earlier recommended a CBI investigation into the case. The central agency will formally assume charge of the probe from the state police today. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be constituted to handle the case, functioning under the supervision of the Joint Director/Head of Zone (HoZ), Kolkata Zone. The HoZ will include officers from the Kolkata Zone in the SIT as per requirement to ensure an effective investigation.
Arrested suspects remanded to 13-day police custody
May 11, 2026
The three accused were produced before a court in North 24 Parganas district and remanded to 13-day police custody.
Three sharpshooters arrested in Uttar Pradesh in connection with the case
May 11, 2026
The three accused were arrested by the West Bengal Police's Special Investigation Team in Uttar Pradesh. They were brought to West Bengal on transit remand.
Chandranath Rath shot dead in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas
May 6, 2026
Chandranath Rath was shot dead by bike-borne assailants at a crossing in Madhyamgram while returning home after a party programme. About 10 rounds were fired; Rath died on the spot and his driver Buddhadeb Bera was critically injured and later recovering.
Election results declared in West Bengal; BJP wins 207 seats, TMC 80
May 4, 2026
The West Bengal Assembly election results were declared, with the BJP winning 207 constituencies and the Trinamool Congress reduced to 80 seats.