8 arrested in killing of CJP activist's father in Bengal; police dispute 'brutal assault' claim

Sheikh Mohammed Mafik, a 50-year-old resident of Indas in Bankura district, died on August 15, two days after a group of men allegedly attacked his son at their home. His son, Sheikh Abdul Hafiz, 25, is associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

West Bengal Police have arrested eight people and booked them for murder in connection with Mafik's death. The police reject claims that he died of a "brutal physical assault", saying he sustained only a minor injury and died after being admitted to a hospital following severe blood pressure fluctuations.

In a post on X, the police said "misinformation" was being spread on social media about the August 13 incident. The injury required a single stitch, and Mafik admitted himself to Burdwan Medical College on the morning of August 15, the police said.

The incident followed Hafiz's visit to Karisunda Paschimpara Primary School that morning to enquire about the school's facilities. The CJP, which has been running a school survey campaign, alleges that those involved in the attack were linked to the BJP and were irked by the visit.

The FIR books the arrested persons under BNS sections including murder (103(1)), criminal conspiracy (61), snatching (304) and aggravated criminal intimidation (351(3)). All eight have been remanded to eight days of police custody.

Police said active manhunts were underway for two absconding suspects, and a house guard has been posted at Hafiz's residence. Some reports suggest that a BJP leader is among the eight arrested.

CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka visited Indas and demanded the arrest of all those involved in Mafik's death. The CJP has given the West Bengal government 10 days, and core member Sudhir Sangwan said those involved were affiliated with the BJP, though he did not provide documentary evidence.

The BJP denied organisational involvement in the incident. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said all those named in the FIR are criminals and will face stringent action.

CJP's east and northeast zone in-charge Ankit Bhardwaj said Hafiz does not want financial compensation, but wants a "world-class" school built in his village in his father's memory. A CJP delegation led by Akash Prem is staying at Hafiz's residence, and the party has warned of demonstrations outside local administrative offices if the government fails to respond.

(With inputs from PTI)