India
Suvendu Adhikari PA murder case takes new turn, Raj Singh released
May 21, 2026 Source: Bharat Vaani
The case involving the murder of Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, has taken a new and confusing turn with reports of mistaken identity and multiple arrests.
According to the latest updates, Raj Singh—initially arrested in connection with the case—was later released after investigators concluded that he had been wrongly detained. The arrest was reportedly made with the help of police teams from different states, including Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, along with inputs from central agencies. However, after questioning, authorities determined that Raj Singh was not the person involved in the crime, leading to his release. Officials later clarified that the real accused in the case had already been identified and subsequently arrested.
The investigation began after the shocking murder of Chandranath Rath on May 6, just days after the West Bengal Assembly election results were announced. Rath was shot dead in the Doharia area of Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district around 10:30 PM. Reports suggest that he was traveling in a vehicle when he was targeted by assailants who followed his car for some distance before carrying out the attack. The attackers allegedly fired multiple rounds, severely injuring Rath. He sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the chest, head, and abdomen and died on the spot. His driver and security personnel were also injured in the incident and were hospitalized.
Investigators believe that around 10 rounds were fired during the attack. A foreign-made Glock pistol was reportedly used, although forensic confirmation is still awaited. Police teams recovered empty cartridges and live bullets from the crime scene, and forensic analysis is ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events and the weapon used.
The case saw further complications when Raj Singh’s name surfaced after a social media video allegedly linked to the investigation went viral. In the video, a man identified as Raj Singh was seen making statements that drew police attention, prompting further action. However, after deeper verification, authorities concluded that there had been a case of mistaken identity. This led to his release, while the investigation continued to focus on other suspects.
Earlier, police had also arrested two other individuals, Vicky Maurya and Mayank Mishra, from Buxar following initial leads. Interrogation of these suspects reportedly helped investigators track further developments in the case.
Chandranath Rath was described as a close aide of Suvendu Adhikari and had been actively involved in political work for several years. His killing has sparked political reactions, with some leaders suggesting that the murder may have been driven by political rivalry, although no official conclusion has been reached.
Overall, the investigation remains active, with authorities working to identify the exact motive, confirm the weapon used, and ensure that all individuals involved in the murder are brought to justice.
New twist in Suvendu Adhikari PA murder case as Raj Singh released