Cockroach Janta Party protester's father beaten to death in Bengal, 8 arrested

A group of assailants attacked Sheikh Abdul Hafiz's family in Bankura after his school inspection visit, fatally injuring his father. The death triggered tension in the area, led to a murder case and resulted in eight arrests.CJP protester's father beaten to death in Bengal (Photo: Representational )The father of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporter and activist Sheikh Abdul Hafiz was beaten to death in West Bengal’s Bankura after a group of unidentified assailants attacked his family, triggering tension in the area. Police have arrested eight people in connection with the incident.The incident took place on August 13, after Hafiz visited Karishunda Paschimpara Primary School to inspect its educational conditions as part of an assignment given by the CJP. Later that night, a group of assailants entered his house and attacked the family with sticks, iron rods and crowbars.The attackers first assaulted Hafiz, who managed to escape by fleeing from the house. They then attacked his father, Sheikh Mohammad Mafik.Mafik was rescued following police intervention and taken to a block health centre. As his condition deteriorated, he was referred to Burdwan Medical College, where he died while undergoing treatment. Hafiz had earlier participated in a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on July 19. He was subsequently asked by the party to inspect the educational conditions at local schools.On August 13, Hafiz visited the Karishunda Paschimpara Primary School, where headmaster Kashinath Dey allegedly asked him to return the following day. Mafik’s death led to tension in the locality. His wife, Hasina Begum, lodged a complaint with the police, following which a murder case was registered.Police arrested eight people and named three accused in the FIR. All the arrested individuals were subsequently produced before a district court.- EndsPublished By: Akash ChatterjeePublished On: Aug 16, 2026 19:58 IST