CBI Files Chargesheet Against 11 in Murder of West Bengal CM's Aide
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday filed a chargesheet against 11 accused in the murder of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The chargesheet was submitted before a designated court, marking a significant step in the investigation of the high-profile killing that took place in May.
Among the accused are two brothers, Sagar Sonkar and Sahib Sonkar, residents of north Kolkata, who were arrested on August 1 for their alleged close links with the assassins. According to officials, Sagar had previously worked with Rath and was one of the key conspirators in planning the murder. The CBI's investigation has revealed that Sagar allegedly ordered the contract killing and hired trained assassins from Uttar Pradesh for the job.
The central agency is also examining possible political links, as call records allegedly showed repeated communication between some accused and a local office of a rival political party. Officials said the conspiracy may have been in the works since December 2025 and was well planned. The investigation has also found that Sagar had earlier worked with a rival political party before joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The murder took place on May 6, two days after the BJP won the assembly elections for the first time in West Bengal. Rath was travelling in a moving vehicle in the Madhyamgram area on the outskirts of Kolkata when bike-borne assailants opened fire at point-blank range. He collapsed on the spot, and the incident drew widespread attention as political factions traded allegations.
So far, the CBI has arrested contract killers Monu Singh, Raj Singh, Golu Singh, Mayank Raj Mishra, Vickey Maurya, and Naveen Kumar Singh. Middlemen Vinay Rai, Sanjay Rai, and Vikas Mishra have also been arrested. One accused remains absconding, according to officials.
The CBI took over the investigation on May 12, following a request from the West Bengal government and a court order. The transfer came amid claims by the Uttar Pradesh Congress that one of the arrested accused had close links to the BJP. The agency has been examining all angles, including the possibility of a political conspiracy, while maintaining that the investigation is ongoing.
The chargesheet lists the accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder, criminal conspiracy, and arms act provisions. The court will now take cognizance of the chargesheet and schedule further proceedings. Legal experts say the trial will depend on the evidence gathered by the CBI, including call records, forensic reports, and witness statements.
This case has become a flashpoint in West Bengal's political landscape, with the ruling party and opposition trading barbs over the murder. However, the CBI has urged the public to allow the legal process to proceed without prejudice. The agency has assured that it will present all evidence in court and ensure a fair trial.
As the investigation continues, the CBI is also probing whether any other individuals were involved in the conspiracy. Officials said they are verifying the roles of all accused and tracking the absconding suspect. The family of Chandranath Rath has expressed hope that the chargesheet will lead to justice and deter such attacks in the future.
