How Did A UPI Payment Help Bengal Police Track Accused Linked To The Murder Of Suvendu Adhikari’s PA?

The investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath has taken a major turn after the West Bengal Police arrested three accused from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in connection with the case.

According to sources, the arrested men have been identified as Mayank Raj Mishra, Vicky Maurya and Raj Singh. The arrests were made by the Madhyamgram Police team after days of investigation and tracking.

The murder of Rath, who worked closely with Suvendu Adhikari, had created political shockwaves in West Bengal earlier this month.

Arrests Made From Bihar And Uttar Pradesh

Police sources said Mayank Raj Mishra and Vicky Maurya were detained from Buxar district in Bihar, while Raj Singh was picked up from Ballia in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday.
Later, the CID and West Bengal Police formally arrested all three accused on Monday morning.

Investigators believe the three men were directly involved in planning and executing the murder.

According to police officials, further interrogation is underway to determine the exact role played by each accused in the crime.

UPI Payment Became Major Clue

Sources associated with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) revealed that one of the accused, identified as Mayank, came under suspicion after allegedly making a UPI payment at a toll plaza shortly after the murder.

Police reportedly used digital transaction details and movement tracking to trace the accused. Investigators suspect the group carried out surveillance on Chandranath Rath's movements before executing the attack.

The SIT is now examining who among the accused fired the fatal shot, who conducted the reconnaissance and whether others helped them hide after the crime.

Police Investigating Possible Motive

The West Bengal Police are also trying to understand the motive behind the killing.
Officials are currently investigating whether the murder was politically motivated or linked to personal rivalry or enmity.

Sources said the SIT is expected to release an official statement after completing detailed interrogation of the accused. Police are also trying to identify if any local contacts or additional conspirators helped the accused before or after the murder.

How The Murder Took Place

Chandranath Rath was shot dead on the night of May 6 in the Madhyamgram area on the northern outskirts of Kolkata. The incident took place near Doharia in the Doltala area of North 24 Parganas district.

According to investigators, motorcycle-borne attackers followed Rath's car before intercepting it on the road. Police said the assailants opened fire at point-blank range through the rolled-up window from the opposite side of the vehicle.

Rath was reportedly seated in the front seat next to the driver when the attackers fired at him. After carrying out the attack, the assailants fled the scene immediately.

Driver Also Injured In The Attack

The driver of the vehicle also suffered bullet injuries during the firing incident.
He was later shifted to a hospital in Kolkata, where he continues to receive treatment. Officials earlier described his condition as critical.

The attack created panic in the area and quickly became one of the most high-profile criminal investigations in the state due to Rath's close association with Suvendu Adhikari.

Political Reactions And Ongoing Probe

The murder sparked strong political reactions in West Bengal, with questions being raised over law and order in the state.

Suvendu Adhikari and BJP leaders demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against those involved in the killing.

Meanwhile, the SIT continues to investigate the larger conspiracy behind the murder.
Police are expected to question the accused further to identify whether more people were involved in planning the attack or providing logistical support.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say additional arrests could be made in the coming days.