Police arrested three men from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for the targeted killing of Chandranath Rath, an aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari [1].
The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in a case involving political violence and a professional hit. The precision of the attack suggests a high level of coordination and prior intelligence regarding the victim's movements.
Investigators said the killing was a pre-planned hit carried out by hired sharpshooters [2]. The ambush was executed with speed, lasting under 50 seconds [3]. According to investigators, the attackers knew Rath’s exact seating position, which indicates the crime was a contract-based motive [2].
Authorities tracked the suspects using digital footprints. The breakthrough occurred after investigators traced a UPI payment made at a toll booth, which helped link the suspects to the crime scene [1].
The three suspects were brought to Kolkata on Sunday night [4]. They were scheduled to appear before a Barasat district court on Monday [4].
Police are currently examining alleged links to Buxar in Bihar as part of the ongoing probe [1]. The investigation continues to focus on identifying the individuals who hired the sharpshooters to carry out the assassination [2].
“The ambush was executed with speed, lasting under 50 seconds.”
The use of professional sharpshooters and the precision of the 50-second ambush suggest a level of sophistication beyond typical street crime. By tracing a UPI payment, investigators have demonstrated how digital financial footprints are becoming central to solving targeted killings in the region, though the primary motive and the identity of the contractor remain the central focus of the legal proceedings.
