Political Tensions Rise in West Bengal Following Alleged Murder of CJP Volunteer’s Father

CJP Demands Justice in Bankura District

Indas (WB): On Monday, a representative from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) issued a 10-day ultimatum to the West Bengal government to apprehend all individuals implicated in the death of a party volunteer's father in Bankura district. The leader called for an investigation into the actions of local police personnel.

CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka traveled from Delhi to Karishunda village in Indas to meet the bereaved family, specifically speaking with Abdul Hafiz, the son of the deceased, who reportedly died following an assault at their residence.

Ranka insisted that the government must guarantee the safety of the grieving family and ensure that all relevant legal actions are taken against the suspects.

He stated, "We are giving the Bengal government 10 days to arrest all accused and ensure they are jailed, along with invoking all necessary legal provisions against them," during a press briefing after his visit.

Additionally, Ranka called for a court-monitored inquiry into the police's conduct at the Indas police station, alleging insufficient support from law enforcement for the family.

The family has reportedly refused government compensation, with Hafiz advocating for the establishment of an international-standard school in his father's honor.

Ranka remarked, "He has expressed that a school should be built in his father's name. We urge the Bengal government to meet this request."

Hafiz articulated that such an educational institution would serve as a fitting tribute to his father and could inspire public engagement in educational issues.

Ranka announced that the CJP would extend financial support to Hafiz and introduced a statewide initiative called "School Thik Karo" (Fix the Schools).

He warned that if the accused are not arrested within the stipulated time and their demands remain unmet, they would stage a protest at the district administration office and escalate their actions.

Ranka also claimed that Hafiz and his mother were aware of additional suspects who have yet to be apprehended.

CPI(M) leader Shatarup Ghosh, who also visited the family, criticized the BJP and its state leadership regarding the incident.

He challenged the government's assertions of having implemented measures to reduce criminal activities, alleging that individuals associated with the BJP were involved in the attack.

Ghosh raised concerns about the family's living conditions and the road leading to their village, emphasizing that the family seeks substantial support rather than mere financial compensation.

However, he noted that the current government cannot be held accountable for the alleged shortcomings in the education system, given its recent assumption of power.

The victim, Janab Mafik, passed away at Burdwan Medical College and Hospital on Saturday night, two days post-assault. He had initially been treated at the Indas block primary health center before being transferred to Burdwan Medical College on August 15 due to a decline in his condition.

The CJP reported that its volunteer, Shaik Abdul Hafeez, 25, had returned from a nationwide protest on July 19 and visited Karisunda West Para Primary School as part of the "School Thik Karo" campaign, aimed at highlighting deficiencies in government school infrastructure.

This incident has sparked a political clash in West Bengal, with the BJP denying any organizational ties to the attack, despite police arresting eight individuals.

According to law enforcement, the arrests were made following a written complaint from the victim's wife, Hasina Begum, at the Indas police station on Sunday. She identified five individuals and claimed that 10-15 people participated in the assault.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Sunday that three of the five named suspects had been arrested, with five others detained.

Police reported that the complaint was filed around noon, leading to the arrest of all eight suspects, who were subsequently presented before the Bishnupur sub-divisional court, where police sought custody.

The family alleges that the deceased was fatally beaten during the attack.