Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has warned of fresh demonstrations in West Bengal’s Bankura district, demanding justice and exemplary punishment for the murderers of party member Sheikh Abdul Hafiz’s father, the late Mafik who was beaten to death.
Addressing a press conference at Beck Bagan in Kolkata on Saturday, the party leadership raised questions regarding the role of police and administration in handling the murder investigation.
Speaking to reporters, CJP member Abdul Hafiz said the party has sought an appointment with the chief secretary of West Bengal to present their charter of demands.
He warned that if the meeting is not granted by 7 September, party cadres will lay siege to the Bankura District Magistrate’s office on 8 September.
Hafiz further alleged that despite identifying a key suspect on 25 August, the individual continues to evade arrest and was even seen organising a public event under police presence in Indus.
The party has placed four major demands before the authorities, which include the establishment of a school named after the late Mafik, and the formation of an independent disciplinary inquiry committee headed by a retired High Court judge.
Additionally, they are calling for impartial and stringent legal action against all identified suspects and accused individuals, alongside administrative transparency and strict accountability to ensure justice for the victim’s family.
CJP Joint Secretary Prem Akash Golu said an initial 20-day buffer provided to the district administration had elapsed without any tangible progress.
This, he warned, has compelled the party to take the path of organised demonstration if the state leadership fails to intervene.
The victim, Sheikh Mohammad Mafik, was assaulted at his home in Indas, Bankura, on 13 August this year. This attack was reportedly in retaliation to his son Sheikh Abdul Hafiz filming a video exposing poor infrastructure at a local primary school under CJP’s campaign.
