CJP Volunteer’s Father Sheikh Mohammad Mafik Dies After Alleged Attack by BJP Workers
A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal’s Bankura district following the death of Sheikh Mohammad Mafik, the father of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) volunteer Sheikh Abdul Hafiz, after an alleged assault linked to a school audit campaign. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The incident reportedly took place in Karishunda village under Indus police station, after Hafiz visited a local government primary school as part of the CJP’s nationwide ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign.
Reports said the campaign encourages citizens to examine basic facilities and infrastructure in government schools and highlight shortcomings.
Dispute After School Audit
Hafiz had reportedly returned from a demonstration at Jantar Mantar before visiting Karishunda Paschimpara Primary School.
He recorded videos highlighting alleged deficiencies in the school’s infrastructure and facilities.
According to allegations cited in media reports, a group of people later confronted Hafiz at his family home and demanded that he release a video apologising for the school inspection and claiming that he had acted under outside influence.
When he allegedly refused, an assault followed.
Reports said Hafiz suffered injuries to his neck, while his father, Sheikh Mohammad Mafik, sustained serious head and chest injuries while attempting to protect his son.
Father Dies in Hospital
Mafik was taken for medical treatment after the alleged assault and was subsequently referred to Burdwan Medical College.
He died on August 15 while undergoing treatment.
The incident has since triggered political reactions and demands for strict action against those responsible.
Eight Arrested After Complaint
Following a complaint filed by Mafik’s wife, Hasina Begum, police registered a murder case and arrested eight people, according to reports.
The arrests are part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and Mafik’s subsequent death.
The allegations against the accused will have to be established through the investigation and due legal process.
Political Row Over Alleged Attack
The incident has also generated a political dispute, with allegations being raised about the possible involvement of political workers.
The Indian Express reported that allegations of BJP worker involvement had surfaced, while the matter was still under investigation.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, however, has denied any BJP connection to the incident and said that those found responsible should face strict action.
The conflicting claims underline the need for a thorough and impartial investigation to establish what happened and who was responsible.
CJP Demands Justice
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka have condemned the incident and announced plans to send a party delegation to West Bengal.
The party has said it will support the family and seek legal action against those found responsible.
CJP leaders have also said that the alleged attack will not force the organisation to abandon its campaign for better facilities and accountability in rural government schools.
What Is the ‘School Thik Karo’ Campaign?
The incident comes as CJP continues its wider ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign, which focuses on the condition of government schools.
The campaign calls for greater community participation in checking school facilities, including drinking water, electricity, toilets, infrastructure and teacher availability.
CJP has previously been involved in wider education-related protests and campaigns seeking greater accountability in India’s education system.
Investigation Will Determine the Facts
The death of Sheikh Mohammad Mafik has intensified concerns over political confrontation and the safety of citizens involved in grassroots civic activities.
While the allegations surrounding the assault are serious, responsibility must ultimately be determined through evidence, investigation and the courts.
For the family, the immediate demand is justice. For the wider community, the incident has raised a broader question: Can citizens inspect and raise concerns about public institutions without fear of intimidation or violence?
The investigation into the Bankura incident will now be closely watched, with the focus on establishing the sequence of events, identifying those responsible and ensuring that the law takes its course.
