Bengal CM denies BJP's role in 'assault' of CJP volunteer, his father's death

A day after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) alleged the death of the father of one of its volunteers in West Bengal, its chief spokesperson Saurav Das claimed that “BJP goons” were responsible for the incident. According to reports, the father of 25-year-old CJP volunteer Shaik Abdul Hafeez was allegedly assaulted on Thursday after his son raised concerns about a primary school at Karisunda in the Indus community development block. The volunteer had conducted an audit as part of the CJP’s nationwide ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign that aimed at improving government schools. Das stated that the volunteer's father was beaten “brutally” and that the incident was “absolutely condemnable.” He claimed that the aggressors were “anti-school and anti-intellectual” and referred to the alleged assault as “hooliganism.” Das emphasized that strict action would be taken against those responsible “when the time comes,” adding that “such tactics won't work in the post-Jantar Mantar India.” He mentioned the student protests at Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET irregularities as a reference point. The CJP said the deceased, Sk Muhammad Mafik, and his son Shaik Abdul Hafeez were allegedly assaulted on Thursday. In a post on X, CJP founder and national convener Abhijeet Dipke demanded the arrest of the accused persons on Sunday afternoon. Dipke expressed outrage, stating that people were being murdered simply for demanding better schools. He asserted that CJP “stands firmly” with the deceased's family and vowed to “only fight harder.” A delegation led by CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka would meet the family of the victim and “urge the strictest possible punishment” for those responsible. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari reacted within hours and said that police arrested three of the five persons named in the first information report (FIR). He said a hunt was underway for the remaining two accused. Adhikari clarified that the complaint did not refer to the accused as BJP workers, stating they were “unknown individuals.” He reiterated that it was the duty of the police to maintain law and order and that the state would take strict action against those responsible. The incident took place on August 13, after Hafiz visited Karishunda Paschimpara Primary School to inspect its educational conditions as part of an assignment given by the CJP. Later that night, a group of assailants entered his house and attacked the family with sticks, iron rods, and crowbars. The attackers first assaulted Hafiz, who managed to escape by fleeing from the house. They then attacked his father, Sheikh Mohammad Mafik. Mafik was rescued following police intervention and taken to a block health centre. As his condition deteriorated, he was referred to Burdwan Medical College, where he died while undergoing treatment. Hafiz had previously participated in a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on July 19. He was subsequently asked by the party to inspect the educational conditions at local schools. On August 13, Hafiz visited the Karishunda Paschimpara Primary School, where headmaster Kashinath Dey allegedly asked him to return the following day. Mafik’s death led to tension in the locality. His wife, Hasina Begum, lodged a complaint with the police, following which a murder case was registered. Police arrested eight people and named three accused in the FIR. All the arrested individuals were subsequently produced before a district court. The CJP alleged that armed individuals identified as local BJP workers forcibly entered Hafiz's residence later that evening and assaulted the two. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar said any allegation of assault should be investigated by the police and action taken if the charges are established. He questioned whether the incident could have stemmed from a local dispute. State Minister Agnimitra Paul said the BJP would not shield anyone found guilty of wrongdoing. She added that “we will not tolerate such incidents. Strict action will be taken.” According to the CJP's statement, Hafiz alleged in a video that a school teacher had informed the political workers about his civic inspection, which prompted the subsequent attack. The alleged assailants demanded that Hafiz record a video apologizing for highlighting the condition of the school and claiming that he had done so under external influence. When Hafiz refused to comply, the individuals allegedly launched a violent assault on his family. Hafiz suffered a severe neck injury while his father sustained critical blunt-force trauma to the head. The family claimed that Hafiz and his father were assaulted during the incident and that his father's condition deteriorated following the attack. He was subsequently admitted to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, where he died on Saturday night. CJP founder and national convener Abhijeet Dipke said, “We will not be silenced and intimidated. We will keep fighting for better schools. CJP stands firmly with Abdul and his family. We demand the immediate arrest of those responsible for his father's death. Our CJP team will visit West Bengal and ensure that Abdul and his family get justice.” Dipke launched the “School Thik Karo” campaign to highlight the condition of government schools and push for improvements in school infrastructure and education. As part of the campaign, citizens have been encouraged to visit government schools, assess their condition, and bring deficiencies to public attention. Reacting to the incident, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said, “We are very concerned for Abdul. His father has died at the hands of goons who allegedly belong to the BJP. What was his crime? That he planned on conducting a social audit of his local government school. Abdul, the entire CJP family is with you. We will not rest until those goons are brought to justice! @WBPolice, do your job immediately.” The CJP also alleged that no medico-legal case was initiated and no FIR was registered following the initial assault. It called for an impartial investigation into the alleged violence, the circumstances surrounding Mafik's death, and the alleged failure to initiate due legal proceedings. The outfit demanded immediate action by the Indas police station to apprehend those accused of the attack and ensure the safety of Hafiz and his family. A CJP National Working Committee delegation, led by co-convener Ashutosh Ranka, will visit West Bengal to stand in solidarity with Hafiz and his family and to demand justice and accountability, according to the CJP.