An Indian Youth Congress (IYC) delegation led by national in-charge Manish Sharma visited Bankura and met the family of Mohd. Abdul Hafeez, whose father, Abdul Mafeek, died on August 15 after allegedly being attacked two days earlier.
According to the IYC, Mafeek suffered serious injuries in the alleged assault and was unable to receive timely medical treatment. The organisation also alleged that local police failed to protect the family and instead acted in favour of the attackers.
The allegations have not been independently verified.
Attack Allegedly Followed Complaint Over Government School
The IYC said Hafeez had raised concerns about the poor condition of a government school in his village. Following this, he and his father were allegedly attacked at their home by local BJP leaders and workers.
The family told the delegation that the police registered an FIR only on August 16, a day after Mafeek died. They also alleged that only a few suspects have so far been identified and claimed that some local police personnel protected the accused because of their alleged links with the local MLA.
The police and the accused have not been quoted responding to these allegations in the statement issued by the IYC.
Manish Sharma Demands Action
Expressing solidarity with the family, Manish Sharma said the incident was about more than one family and demanded accountability.
“This is about a citizen who was murdered by a mob of BJP workers. We all must stand against this,” Sharma said.
He added, “The family has shown tremendous courage, and we stand firmly with them in their fight for justice. IYC activists are providing all legal and necessary support to the family.”
The IYC has demanded a detailed investigation into the alleged role of Indas MLA Nirmal Kumar Dhara, whom it described as the alleged mastermind behind the attack. It has also called for an independent inquiry into the conduct of local police officials.
IYC Gives Administration Seven-Day Deadline
The organisation has demanded the immediate arrest of all those allegedly involved in the attack and a fair, independent and time-bound investigation into Mafeek’s death and the assault on his family.
The IYC said it has given the administration seven days to take concrete action and arrest all the perpetrators. It warned that if action is not taken, its members will march towards the Chief Minister’s residence in Kolkata.
The organisation said Hafeez had merely raised concerns about the condition of a government school and demanded better facilities for residents.
The IYC said the case raises wider questions about the right of citizens to speak about public issues without facing political violence or intimidation.
