Assault in Bankura: Suvendu Adhikari Denies BJP Involvement
In a recent incident that has sent shockwaves across the state, the father of a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) volunteer died after sustaining severe head injuries during an alleged assault in Bankura. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has denied any involvement of BJP workers in the incident, assuring strict action against those responsible.
A Family’s Tragedy
Janab Mafik, the father of CJP volunteer Shaik Abdul Hafeez, died on Saturday after the alleged assault at their family residence on August 13. According to the CJP, the incident took place after Hafeez and his family were allegedly attacked following his visit to a government school in the Karisunda area as part of the CJP’s “School Thik Karo” campaign to assess its infrastructure.
A Campaign for Better Schools
Hafeez, a CJP volunteer, had visited the school to document its condition as part of the “School Thik Karo” campaign. However, things took a turn for the worse when a school teacher allegedly informed local political workers about his visit. The CJP claims that the attackers demanded that Hafeez record a video apologising for highlighting the poor condition of the school and saying that he had acted at the behest of others.
A Family’s Account
Hafeez has alleged that at around 8.30 pm on August 13, BJP workers came to their house and assaulted them. Both Hafeez and his father were allegedly assaulted, and Janab Mafik’s condition deteriorated following the incident. He was later admitted to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, where he died on Saturday night.
Union Minister’s Call for Investigation
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar has called for an investigation into the allegations, stating that if such an incident has taken place, an FIR should be registered, and the police should investigate it. He also raised the possibility that the incident could have been linked to a local dispute.
BJP’s Assurance
State Minister Agnimitra Paul has assured that the BJP would not protect anyone found guilty of wrongdoing. She stated that those responsible would be treated as criminals and added that strict action would be taken against them.
A CJP Supporter’s Stand
A CJP supporter has alleged that the attack was a “consequence” of Hafeez questioning authorities about the school’s infrastructure. He stated that if asking questions leads to such attacks, the CJP would continue to ask those questions again and again, and a thousand times if necessary.
CM Adhikari’s Assurance
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has denied any involvement of BJP workers in the incident, stating that of the five people named in the FIR, three have already been arrested, and the remaining two would also be arrested. He assured that there is no BJP connection in this incident and that action will be taken according to the law.
As the investigation unfolds, the CJP has vowed to continue its campaign for better schools, undeterred by the tragic incident. The incident has sparked a debate on the safety of activists and the importance of speaking truth to power.