BJP-linked brothers arrested in CM Suvendu Adhikari aide murder, CBI suspects bigger conspiracy
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made two more arrests in the murder case of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, with investigators now suspecting the duo to be among the key conspirators behind the killing.
The arrested accused have been identified as brothers Sagar Sonkar and Saheb Sonkar.
According to CBI sources, they were taken into custody on Friday after prolonged questioning.
Unlike the earlier arrests, which primarily involved alleged shooters and middlemen, investigators believe the two brothers played a far more significant role in planning and executing the murder.
CBI officials alleged that Sagar and Saheb were involved in arranging the shooters, supplying logistical support, conducting reconnaissance and coordinating the overall execution of the crime.
However, the motive behind the murder is yet to be established. Investigators claim the conspiracy to kill Rath was allegedly hatched in 2025, months before the West Bengal Assembly elections.
The agency is examining whether the planning began well before the political transition in the state.
According to the probe, both Sagar and Saheb joined the BJP in 2020. Before that, they were reportedly close to an MLA from another political party. The CBI has also found that Sagar was in regular contact with an unidentified person through a landline phone, raising suspicion of possible links with a rival political outfit. However, investigators have not identified any political leader or MLA allegedly connected to the conspiracy.
The agency further alleged that the brothers handled finances for the operation, arranged contract killers and coordinated various aspects of the murder.
Rath was murdered shortly after the Assembly election results were declared on May 4, in which the BJP formed the government in West Bengal for the first time.
His killing came at a time when Adhikari's name was being widely discussed as the state's likely Chief Minister. The investigation into the wider conspiracy is ongoing.