A 25-year-old volunteer of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and his father were allegedly attacked by a group of people in West Bengal's Bankura after the volunteer highlighted the poor condition of a government school. His father later died from his injuries, according to the CJP.
Shaik Abdul Hafeez and his father Janab Mafik were allegedly assaulted on Thursday after Hafeez visited a government school as part of the CJP's “School Thik Karo" campaign. Mafik, who suffered severe head injuries, died on Saturday, the organisation said.
Family alleges attack over school campaign
According to the CJP, armed men identified as local BJP workers entered Hafeez's home and allegedly asked him to record a video apologising for raising concerns about the school's infrastructure.
The organisation alleged that Hafeez refused, following which the men attacked him and his family.
Hasina Begum, the victim's wife, subsequently lodged a complaint at Indus Police Station and sought capital punishment for those responsible.
At least eight people have been arrested in connection with the incident, including alleged local BJP booth president Astam Majhi and BJP convener Abani Majhi. The accused were produced before a sub-divisional court and booked under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those related to murder, attempted murder, assault, rioting and property damage.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke condemned the attack and said the organisation would support Hafeez and his family.
“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," said CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke.
Bengal government denies BJP connection
The alleged political link to the incident has been disputed by the state government and police.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari denied any BJP connection to the attack and said legal action would follow.
“There is no BJP connection here. They are all criminals. Action will be taken according to law," Adhikari told reporters at the state secretariat Nabanna.
Union minister Sukanta Majumdar also said allegations of assault should be investigated and action taken if they are established.
Police say motive not political
Additional Superintendent of Police Krishanu Roy said the initial investigation had not found a political connection to the killing. Police will continue questioning the accused to establish the motive behind the attack.
Meanwhile, a CJP National Working Committee delegation led by co-convener Ashutosh Ranka is set to visit West Bengal and meet Hafeez and his family, while seeking justice and accountability in the case.