Karisunda, West Bengal – The father of a volunteer associated with the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) in West Bengal has died following an alleged assault, prompting the arrest of three individuals in connection with the incident. Janab Mafik, the father of 25-year-old Shaik Abdul Hafeez, reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained after an alleged attack that took place on Thursday.

The incident is linked to Shaik Abdul Hafeez's activism concerning the infrastructure and management of a local primary school in Karisunda. Hafeez, a CJP volunteer, was actively involved in the organisation's "School Thik Karo" campaign, which focuses on assessing the condition of government schools. He had previously attended a protest at Jantar Mantar, where he highlighted issues related to the educational facility, drawing attention to poor infrastructure and mismanagement.

Following the alleged assault, CJP founder and national convener Abhijeet Dipke publicly demanded the immediate arrest of the perpetrators. Saurav Das, another CJP representative, specifically claimed that "BJP goons" were responsible for the attack on Janab Mafik, characterising their actions as "anti-school." Dipke reiterated the organisation's commitment to its cause, stating firmly that CJP would not "back off" from its advocacy.

Conflicting Claims and Official Response

However, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has publicly dismissed the allegations that workers from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were involved in the assault. In a separate development, local law enforcement officials have reportedly ruled out a political motive behind the incident, suggesting that the attack may have stemmed from other factors yet to be fully determined.

Authorities have confirmed that three individuals have been taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation into Janab Mafik's death. The differing accounts regarding the motive and the identities of the perpetrators underscore the complexity of the inquiry, with police working to ascertain the precise sequence of events.

This tragic event highlights the inherent risks faced by community volunteers and activists who dedicate themselves to addressing deficiencies in public services, particularly within rural areas. As the Citizens for Justice and Peace reiterates its resolve to continue its work, the focus remains firmly on the police investigation to bring clarity and justice to the circumstances surrounding Janab Mafik's death.