BJP worker among eight held for murder of CJP volunteer’s father

Eight people, including a local BJP worker, have been arrested in Bankura, West Bengal, for the alleged murder of Sheikh Mohammad Mafik, father of a Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) volunteer. Police arrested Astam Majhi, Shrikanta Majhi, Prashanta Ruidas, Rohit Majhi, Bablu Majhi, Santu Majhi, Tinku Keora and Sheikh Azad on Sunday after an FIR was lodged by the victim's wife, Hasina Begum.

CJP claims the attack followed a school audit by its volunteer Shaik Abdul Hafeez as part of the 'School Thik Karo' campaign. CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das alleged that 'BJP goons' assaulted Hafeez and his father, leading to Mafik's death. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said three of five named in the FIR were arrested, adding that the complaint did not identify the accused as BJP workers. Five more people were detained for questioning.