Bankura attack: Three arrested as CJP alleges BJP role, CM denies connection
Three persons were arrested on Sunday (August 16, 2026) in connection with the death of the father of a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) volunteer in West Bengal's Bankura district. The father, identified as Janab Mafik, died on Saturday (August 15, 2026) from injuries sustained in an attack on Thursday (August 13, 2026).
The CJP has alleged that workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attacked Mafik's son, Shaik Abdul Hafeez, a party volunteer. However, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari dismissed the allegation, stating that those accused have no political connection.
“Of the five persons against whom an FIR has been registered, three have already been arrested. The two others will also be arrested. There is no BJP connection here. They are all criminals. Action will be taken according to law,” Mr. Adhikari told reporters.
The incident occurred at Karisunda in Bankura after Mr. Hafeez went to inspect a government school as part of the CJP's 'School Thik Karo' campaign. Mr. Hafeez had previously attended a CJP protest in Delhi demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
“At night, five BJP workers attacked my house. They were looking for me but launched a brutal attack on my father after they could not find me. He sustained grievous injuries and was rushed to the Bardhaman Medical College where he passed away,” Mr. Hafeez told reporters.
An official familiar with the investigation said an FIR has been registered against five individuals, and police are actively searching for the remaining two. The motive behind the attack is not yet clear, and investigations are ongoing.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke issued a statement condoling the death. “CJP stands firmly with Abdul and his family. We demand the immediate arrest of those responsible for his father's death. And to the hatemongers who think they can silence us through violence: we are not going to back off. Attack our members, threaten us, try to intimidate us, we will only fight harder,” he posted on X.
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, along with eastern zone coordinator Ankit Bharadwaj, south zone leader Vijay Mallangi, and another core member Sudhur Sangwan, are scheduled to visit Mr. Hafeez's family in Bankura on Monday (August 17, 2026).
The incident has triggered political reactions, with the CJP demanding a thorough investigation. The state government has assured that legal proceedings will continue against all accused.
