Kolkata, May 11
According to police officials, the arrests were made by a Special Investigation Team formed to investigate the murder that took place on the night of May 6 in North 24 Parganas district’s Madhyamgram area.
Investigators said the accused allegedly carried out the attack after detailed planning and reconnaissance. Police suspect that around eight people were involved in both the conspiracy and execution of the crime.
One of the arrested men has been identified as Vishal Srivastava, who is originally from Bihar’s Buxar district. The other two accused are residents of Uttar Pradesh. Officials also suspect that one of them may have acted as a sharpshooter during the attack.
Police said Rath’s vehicle was intercepted near the Doharia area by a car, while a motorcycle also approached the scene moments before the shooting.
During the investigation, officers found that the suspected vehicle had crossed the Bali toll plaza before the murder. A UPI payment made at the toll point helped investigators trace a mobile number, which eventually led the SIT to the accused.
Officials said digital evidence, technical surveillance, and CCTV footage played a major role in tracking the suspects across states. Teams were sent to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar after investigators found interstate links in the case.
The arrested accused are expected to be brought to West Bengal on transit remand for further questioning. Police said raids are continuing in several areas to trace the remaining suspects involved in the case.
The investigation remains underway as police continue to examine digital evidence and verify the identities of the accused through CCTV footage and other technical inputs. Officials believe further arrests are likely in the coming days.
