Volunteer’s father dies after being ‘attacked by BJP workers’ over govt school’s condition in WB: CJP

New Delhi: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Sunday demanded the immediate arrest of those allegedly responsible for an assault that resulted in the death of Janab Mafik, father of CJP volunteer Shaik Abdul Hafeez, in West Bengal. He was allegedly attacked by local BJP workers.

According to a statement issued by the CJP, 25-year-old Hafeez was allegedly attacked after inspecting a government school as part of the party’s “School Thik Karo” campaign. His father, Mafik, later died on Saturday, August 15, from severe head injuries sustained during the alleged assault.

The incident reportedly took place in Karisunda area of Bankura district on August 13, after Hafeez visited a government school in his village to assess its infrastructure and document deficiencies.

The CJP alleged that armed individuals, whom it identified as local BJP workers, entered Hafeez’s residence later that evening. According to the party, Hafeez said in a video recorded from hospital that a school teacher had informed the political workers about his inspection of the school.

The CJP said Hafeez had obtained permission from the school before recording the video. However, the alleged attackers reportedly demanded that he record an apology for highlighting the school’s condition and claim that he had acted under outside influence.

When Hafeez refused, the CJP alleged, the attackers assaulted members of his family. Hafeez suffered a serious neck injury, while his father sustained critical head injuries.

Hafeez later recorded a video from hospital describing the attack and subsequently travelled to Kolkata, citing concerns for his safety. In the video, he alleged that an attacker attempted to slash his neck with a sharp weapon.

His father subsequently succumbed to his injuries on August 15, according to the CJP.

CJP founder and national convener Abhijeet Dipke said the party would continue its campaign for better government schools and demanded the arrest of those responsible for Mafik’s death.

“We will not be silenced and intimidated. We will keep fighting for better schools,” Dipke said, adding that a CJP team would visit West Bengal and seek justice for Hafeez and his family.

CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das also demanded an impartial investigation, alleging that no medico-legal case or FIR was registered after the initial assault.

The party has sought a probe into the alleged attack, Mafik’s death and the circumstances surrounding the alleged failure to initiate legal proceedings. It also called for immediate action by Indas police station and protection for Hafeez and his family.

A CJP National Working Committee delegation led by co-convener Ashutosh Ranka is scheduled to visit West Bengal in connection with the incident, according to the statement.