Kolkata: After its resounding ‘victory’ over the Central government following the Jantar Mantar agitation, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is now putting pressure on the West Bengal administration over the killing of a volunteer’s father in Bankura.
A CJP delegation, led by co-convener Ashutosh Ranka, visited Abdul Hafeez and his family at Karisunda village in Bankura district on Monday, days after a brutal attack killed the 25-year-old activist’s father.
CJP warned it will gherao the District Magistrate’s office if action is not taken against the culprits and all demands not met within 10 days.
Hafeez was allegedly targeted by a group of men after he filmed the condition of a local school. According to his family, the attackers raided their home and assaulted them. Hafeez’s father later succumbed to injuries.
Hafeez had filmed the school premises as a part of CJP’s nationwide ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign, under which volunteers document poor infrastructure and facilities in government schools and seek administrative action.
According to CJP, the attack was “targeted” and politically motivated.
It alleged that power to Hafeez’s house was cut before the assault and claimed that a second attack took place at a hospital where the victims were receiving treatment. CJP also accused local police of failing to provide adequate protection.
The CJP has issued a four-point charter of demands — registration of an FIR against all accused persons, court-monitored investigation into alleged police negligence, round-the-clock security for Hafeez and his family, and the setting up of a public school in memory of the deceased.
The administration has been given a 10-day deadline. If no concrete action is taken within that period, the CJP said it will mobilise supporters and stage a peaceful protest outside the District Magistrate’s office, demanding accountability and justice for the family.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has said strict action will be taken if BJP workers are found to be involved in the incident.
Eight people, including a local BJP leader, have been arrested so far as investigations are continuing.