Eight people have been arrested after Janab Mafik, father of a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) volunteer, died following an alleged assault at his home in Bankura, West Bengal. CJP alleged that the attack was linked to its “School Thik Karo” campaign and claimed BJP workers were informed about the volunteer’s activities. Police are investigating the allegations, with three arrested suspects reportedly named in the complaint. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has denied an alleged BJP connection and said action will follow the law.
Bengal CJP Volunteer’s Father Dies After Alleged Attack, Eight Arrested; BJP Link Denied
Janab Mafik was allegedly attacked in Bankura on Saturday and killed, sparking a political slugfest with eight arrests and claims of an alleged BJP link.
Eight people have been arrested in connection with the alleged assault at the residence of Shaik Abdul Hafeez, a Bengal CJP volunteer, in West Bengal's Bankura district, in which his father Janab Mafik died.
The incident comes after Hafeez’s involvement in Cockroach Janta Party’s “School Thik Karo” campaign that aims to document the lacunae in government school infrastructure and basic public amenities. CJP said that 25-year-old Hafeez had joined the party’s July 19 protest and then went to Karisunda West Para Primary School on August 13 after returning from Delhi.
The party said Hafeez had asked about toilets, drinking water and other facilities and told a teacher that he was planning to launch the campaign locally. The teacher then informed local BJP workers about Hafeez’s visit, the CJP said, adding that armed men allegedly entered his house that evening.
The allegation is that the attackers asked Hafeez to make an apology video on the condition that he highlight the school at the behest of someone else. The attackers thrashed Hafeez and his father with sticks, rods and a crowbar after he allegedly refused, the CJP said.
Bankura attack case sees eight arrests
Mafik was first taken to the Indas block primary health center in a serious condition, and later on August 15 he was shifted to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital.
The CJP statement said he was there on Saturday night, two days after the alleged assault. Later, his wife Hasina Begum lodged a written complaint against him.
The complaint named five people and alleged there were about 10 to 15 attackers. Police said eight accused persons were taken into custody after the complaint was received around noon.
Three of them were named in the family’s complaint, a senior police officer said. Three were remanded in police custody, and five would face a test identification parade.
The accused were produced before the court of the sub-divisional judge of Bishnupur, and police sought their custody as the investigation into the circumstances leading to the alleged assault and death of Mafik continued.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari dismissed allegations linking the incident with Bharatiya Janata Party, saying those named were criminals and promised action as per law.
Adhikari also said that three of the five persons named in the complaint have been arrested and the other accused would also be arrested.
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BJP rejects allegations as CJP demands justice
Union Minister and BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar said police should investigate and take appropriate action if the allegations of assault are proved.
Majumdar also said that investigators should explore if the incident was the result of a local dispute and said that thousands had joined the CJP’s Delhi protest and there were no such incidents elsewhere.
State minister Agnimitra Paul said, “The BJP will not protect anyone who is found guilty,” while at the same time asserting that a party with lakhs of workers cannot decide the character of everyone.
The episode has posed broader questions for the CJP on whether citizens can subject public institutions to scrutiny without being subject to alleged political intimidation, especially when undertaking grassroots campaigns.
“We will send a party delegation to West Bengal to stand by Hafeez and his family and ensure justice,” said CJP founder and national convenor Abhijeet Dipke.
Saurav Das, CJP’s chief spokesperson, claimed Mafik died after he was assaulted by individuals allegedly associated with the BJP, and questioned why Hafeez was allegedly attacked over planning a school social audit.
Das also called on the West Bengal Police to act against those responsible, while stating that the CJP would continue supporting Abdul and his family throughout the proceedings.
School Thik Karo campaign under scrutiny
Dipke launched the “School Thik Karo” campaign to highlight the plight of government schools and to make the people assess infrastructure, identify deficiencies and bring them to the public domain.
The campaign is part of the CJP’s larger narrative of grassroots politics on public services, education and accountability, making the Bankura incident important beyond the immediate criminal investigation.
The alleged violence was a reflection of opposition to education and public scrutiny, Das told PTI, while underlining the CJP’s stated commitment to improving government schools.
The CJP called for an impartial probe into the alleged assault, Mafik’s death and the circumstances under which the allegations of proper legal proceedings not being undertaken earlier were made.
A delegation from the national working committee, headed by co-convener Ashutosh Ranka, is also expected to visit West Bengal, the party said.
Mafik’s family alleged he was targeted because his son had participated in the Delhi protest, while Hasina Begum demanded stern punishment for all those found guilty.
The case now moves to a crucial investigative stage, with police action, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and court proceedings expected to resolve responsibility.
Sprouts News noted that the competing political claims are allegations until proven through investigation or judicial findings. The arrests are the first major official response.
