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3 people detained in connection with murder of Suvendu Adhikari’s aide: Police
A shooting in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas, killed Rath, Suvendu Adhikari’s aide, with investigators tracing a tampered hatchback license plate. By May 7, police detained three suspects, collected forensic evidence, and reviewed CCTV as the investigation continues, with political leaders informed.
Why It Matters
The case involves a high-profile political figure and a sudden violent crime, prompting a government response and heightened security concerns while police pursue leads.
Timeline
7 Events
Family reaction
May 7, 2026
Hasirani Rath, the deceased’s mother, said she did not want the death penalty but urged life imprisonment for the killers; she suggested the TMC might be behind the attack, speaking from Chandipur in Purba Medinipur.
National political reaction
May 7, 2026
Union home minister Amit Shah has been informed, according to a BJP leader.
Investigation and detentions
May 7, 2026
Police said the investigation is ongoing and some persons were being questioned. Three people were detained in connection with the murder, according to BJP members aware of the developments.
Forensic and police response at the spot
May 7, 2026
Top state police officials, including the DGP, rushed to the crime spot; CID officials and forensic experts arrived in the morning. Samples such as blood-stain seat covers and cartridge shells were collected, and CCTV footage was being analysed.
CCTV sighting near Doltala
May 6, 2026
The hatchback used in the crime was seen on CCTV around 3pm near Doltala, suggesting it reached Doharia and Madhyamgram at least six to seven hours before the crime.
Tampered license plate and initial traces
May 6, 2026
Preliminary investigations revealed the hatchback’s number plate and chassis number had been tampered with. The number plate belonged to a vehicle registered in Siliguri; investigators traced it to a Siliguri resident named William Joseph after contacting Siliguri police.
Shooting of Rath in Madhyamgram
May 6, 2026
Around 10:15pm on Wednesday night, unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants shot Rath at point-blank range while returning to his residence in Madhyamgram. A car intercepted Rath’s white Scorpio; the assailants fled on two motorcycles after the car was abandoned. Eyewitnesses described three helmeted suspects waiting with two motorcycles in a dark lane beside a packaging unit at Doharia; a Nissan Micra hatchback blocked the road before the shooting.