The death of Sheikh Mohammad Mafik, 55, of Karishunda village under Indus police station in Bankura, following an alleged assault at his home has triggered a political controversy, with opposition parties and student organisations demanding a probe and action against those responsible.
Son’s School Campaign Allegedly Led to Attack
Mafik’s son, Sheikh Abdul Hafiz, a CJP supporter, had recently returned from a protest in Delhi. After reaching his village, Hafiz recorded and shared a video highlighting the poor condition of Karishunda Primary School as part of the ‘School Thik Karo’ (Fix the School) campaign. The family has alleged that the video led to threats and an attack on their home, during which both Hafiz and his father were assaulted.
According to family members and local sources, Hafiz travelled to Delhi on July 19 to participate in a CJP programme. On July 20, he was reportedly detained at Rajiv Chowk and faced a police lathi-charge and tear gas. He returned to Karishunda on July 27.
After returning home, Hafiz allegedly began raising questions about the condition and functioning of the local primary school. He reportedly met the headmaster and subsequently recorded a video showing the school’s deteriorating infrastructure. The family alleges that a group of people attacked their house later that night.
Family Alleges Father Was Beaten While Protecting Son
According to Abdul Hafiz, the attackers assaulted him, snatched his mobile phone and deleted the photographs and video. Mafik was allegedly beaten when he attempted to intervene and protect his son.
Mafik’s health later deteriorated because of the injuries. On August 14, he was initially taken to Indus Hospital and subsequently shifted to Bardhaman Medical College Hospital. He died while undergoing treatment. Opposition groups have described the death as a consequence of a politically motivated attack, while the police investigation is underway.
Eight Arrested in Connection With Case
Police sources said eight people have been arrested in connection with the case. A police official said, “A case has been registered on the basis of a complaint lodged by the deceased’s family. Eight people have already been arrested. A search is underway for the remaining accused. Those arrested are being interrogated in custody.”
Political Leaders Visit Bereaved Family
The incident has drawn political leaders and activists to Karishunda. On Monday, CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka, CPI(M) leaders Shatarup Ghosh and Mayukh Biswas, among others, visited Hafiz’s residence and expressed solidarity with the family.
Former Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee also spoke to the family over the phone and assured them of her support.
Son Rejects Compensation, Demands School in Father’s Name
The deceased’s family has said it does not want financial compensation from the state government. Instead, Hafiz has demanded that a modern school be established in his father’s memory.
“My father had to die while fighting against the poor condition of the education system. My father is no more. What will I do with government compensation? I want the government to build a world-class school in the name of my late father,” Hafiz told the media.
He added that the campaign for improving the education system would continue.
“Students and young people across the country have taken to the streets. This fight will not stop. We will work to transform the education system,” he said.
CJP Alleges Police Protection for Accused
CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka alleged that the police were failing to provide adequate security to the deceased’s family while protecting some of the accused. He also alleged that some of the attackers had been identified by the victim’s wife and son.
“The West Bengal police administration is not providing security to the family of the deceased, but is providing security to the accused,” Ranka said.
He alleged that the police at Indus police station had acted in collusion with BJP workers and demanded further arrests.
“We are giving the state police 10 days to take action. If the police fail to act within this period, we will stage a protest outside the office of the district Superintendent of Police,” he said.
CJP Vows to Continue School Reform Campaign
Ranka further alleged that the incident was linked to Hafiz’s campaign over the condition of government schools.
“We are not afraid of threats. The voices of students and young people on education, unemployment and employment will continue to be raised,” he said.
He also announced that the CJP would collect financial assistance for Hafiz’s family and hand over the funds to them. According to Ranka, Hafiz will lead the CJP’s ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign in West Bengal.
CPI(ML) Liberation Announces Statewide Protest
The incident has also drawn a response from the CPI(ML) Liberation, which has called for a statewide ‘Protest Day’ on August 17 and 18. The party demanded the immediate punishment of those responsible, a transparent and impartial investigation and security for the bereaved family.
Party general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya wrote on Facebook that an AISA-RYA team had visited Karishunda village. According to his post, Hafiz and his father were allegedly attacked after Hafiz highlighted the poor condition of Karishunda Primary School.
Bhattacharya alleged that Hafiz’s participation in the Jantar Mantar protest and his subsequent campaign for reform of the local school had angered BJP workers. He also criticised what he described as a broader campaign of political violence.
AISA Delegation Meets Family
AISA leaders from West Bengal also visited Bankura and met the bereaved family. The organisation said in a social media statement that a delegation comprising Ritam Maji, Ranajoy Sengupta and Samriddha Deb visited the family to express solidarity.
The organisation alleged that the assault took place after Hafiz, a CJP supporter, began campaigning for school reforms in the Indus area. It demanded justice for the deceased and exemplary punishment for those responsible.
