Eight Arrested After CJP Volunteer's Father Dies in Bankura

The dispute follows the CJP’s wider “School Thik Karo” campaign, under which its activists visit government schools, document infrastructure problems and demand corrective action. In West Bengal, the campaign became particularly contentious after CJP volunteer Sheikh Abdul Hafeez visited Karisunda Paschimpara Primary School in Bankura on August 13 to document its condition.

The CJP and Hafeez’s family alleged that a group of 15 to 20 people later attacked his home, using sticks, iron rods and crowbars. Hafeez reportedly escaped, while his father was allegedly assaulted and later died after being admitted to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital.

The circumstances surrounding the death have become a major point of dispute. The CJP has alleged that the attack was connected to Hafeez’s school campaign and accused people linked to the BJP, while the BJP has denied organisational involvement.

Police have also disputed the description of the injuries, saying Hafeez’s father suffered a minor injury requiring a single stitch and later admitted himself to hospital after experiencing severe fluctuations in blood pressure. Police said doctors who treated him found no life-threatening injury. Following a complaint from Hafeez’s mother, eight people were arrested, two others were reported absconding and a police guard was deployed at the family’s home.

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The CJP has demanded further action in the Bankura case and called for a court-monitored investigation into the conduct of personnel at Indas police station. Ranka travelled from Delhi to Karishunda and met Hafeez and his family, giving the Bengal government 10 days to ensure the arrest of all accused persons and the application of what he described as appropriate legal sections.

The family, according to the CJP, has rejected monetary compensation, with Hafeez instead expressing a desire for a school to be built in his father’s name. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has described the campaign as part of a broader civic effort to highlight deficiencies in government education infrastructure.

The confrontation has gained political significance as the CJP seeks to expand its campaign in Bengal while the BJP maintains that the allegations against it are fabricated. Ranka has vowed that CJP activists will continue visiting government schools despite the obstacles, arguing that attempts to stop the organisation will only increase its visibility.

The claims surrounding the cancelled Kolkata event and the Bankura incident remain sharply contested, with the CJP alleging political intimidation, the BJP denying involvement and police presenting a different account of the circumstances surrounding the death. The developments could determine whether the school campaign evolves into a broader political challenge in the state.

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