In a tragic incident that has ignited political controversy in West Bengal, a man identified as Sheikh Mohammed Mafiq, aged 51, died after being severely beaten in the Bankura district. His family alleges that the assault, which proved fatal, was perpetrated by individuals affiliated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This attack is believed to be a retaliatory measure because Mafiq’s son, Sheikh Abdul Hafiz, had participated in a protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
According to the victim’s family, the trouble began after Sheikh Abdul Hafiz attended the Jantar Mantar protest on July 19, which focused on the NEET paper leaks. Subsequently, on August 13, Hafiz visited the Karishunda Primary School as part of CJP’s ‘Fix The School’ campaign, where he publicly criticized the dilapidated infrastructure and mismanagement at the institution.
Later that same night, a group allegedly forced their way into Hafiz’s home, armed with rods and sticks, and launched an assault. Sheikh Mohammed Mafiq intervened to protect his son and was also attacked, sustaining serious injuries. Both father and son were initially taken to the hospital and discharged, but the assailants allegedly ambushed them again on their return journey. The family further claimed that on August 14, they were confined to their home by the same group. Mafiq’s condition worsened that night, necessitating his transfer back to the hospital with police assistance. Tragically, he passed away on August 15 while undergoing treatment.
Authorities have confirmed that a complaint was filed on August 16. Krisanu Rai, Bankura’s Additional Superintendent of Police, stated that a woman reported that on August 13, at approximately 8 PM, several individuals entered her home and assaulted her, her husband, and her son. Her husband succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to Bardhaman Hospital. Based on this complaint, a case has been registered at Indus Police Station under multiple sections of the law, and eight individuals have since been arrested and presented in court. Rai emphasized that while the complaint named five identified individuals and 8-10 unidentified persons as attackers, “no political connection to the incident has been found so far.”
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has vehemently denied any involvement of his party in the incident. On Sunday, Adhikari asserted that those arrested are merely criminals with no ties to the BJP. “There is no BJP connection here. They are all criminals. Action will be taken according to law,” he declared. Adhikari also called for an investigation to determine if the incident is genuinely linked to the Delhi protest, pointing out that the First Information Report (FIR) identifies the accused as “miscreants” and does not name the BJP. He further stated that the swift arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of law and order in the region, and guards have been stationed at the victim’s house for protection.
In response, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka condemned the attack and directly attributed responsibility to the BJP. Ranka announced that CJP members would travel to Bankura to ensure that justice is served for Sheikh Mohammed Mafiq’s family.
