Bengal: Cockroach Janta Party holds Bankura protest, seeks action over supporter's father's death

Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) held a demonstration in West Bengal's Bankura district on Tuesday, demanding exemplary punishment for those behind the assault on Sheikh Mohammad Mafik, whose son Abdul Hafiz had participated in the Delhi protests. Led by CJP's Ankit Bhardwaj and Hafiz, the protesters began their march from the Taralibandh area, but were stopped by police on the road leading to the district magistrate's office, following which they staged a dharna nearby. ADVERTISEMENT The demonstration, in which participants carried the national flag and placards, remained peaceful, officials said. Adequate police arrangements were made to prevent any untoward incident, they said. The protesters demanded the establishment of a "world-class" school named after Mafik, who died following an alleged attack at his home after his son had visited Karisunda West Para Primary School on August 13 as part of the CJP's "School Thik Karo" campaign. Mafik's death had triggered a political confrontation, with his family alleging that he was assaulted because of his son's association with the CJP. The BJP has denied any link to the incident. Police said they have arrested at least eight people in connection with the assault. Bishnupur BJP MP Saumitra Khan alleged that a political colour was being given to the incident. "If you want to fight us politically, contest the by-elections at Nandigram or Rejinagar on October 6," Khan said.