The arrest of 25-year-old Raj Singh in the murder case of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has brought attention to his political ambitions and the connections he often showcased on social media.
Raj, a resident of Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested on Monday, 11th May, by the West Bengal CID along with Madhyamgram police. Investigators believe he was among three out-of-state men involved in Rath’s killing. Police are still trying to find out who planned the murder and the motive behind it.
Political aspirations since college days
People from Raj’s hometown said he became active in politics while studying at Murli Manohar Town Post Graduate College. According to his family, he was involved in student politics and later started preparing for local elections.
His elder brother, Yashwant Singh, said Raj first wanted to contest corporator elections, but after the seat was reserved for the backward class category, he shifted focus to the block pramukh elections. He added that Raj was trying to build a career in politics and had been regularly meeting political leaders.
Social media is full of political photos
Raj frequently posted pictures with politicians on Facebook and introduced himself as the state general secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha. One of the photographs shared by him showed Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Daya Shankar Singh.
After the arrest, Daya Shankar Singh clarified that Raj had no link with the Bharatiya Janata Party. BJP Ballia district president Sanjay Mishra also said Raj was never associated with the party and that pictures with leaders should not be seen as proof of political ties.
Family’s political Background
Raj is the youngest among three siblings and belongs to the Chilkahar block area of Ballia. His brother said their late father, Keshav Singh, who passed away in 2018, strongly supported the BJP, and the family has long identified with the party.
He also said Raj’s photographs with different leaders reflected his active presence in public life and local politics.
