Security was stepped up significantly around the Bankura District Magistrate’s office on Tuesday ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janata Party. The government complex and surrounding areas were heavily guarded, with a large deployment of police personnel and central forces. Water cannons and fire tenders were also stationed in the area as authorities prepared for the demonstration.
Barricades were erected at several points on roads leading to the District Magistrate’s office, restricting access to the main entrance. Security personnel were deployed in strength around the premises, while members and supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party were also preparing for their proposed march and office gherao programme.
The protest stems from an alleged attack on August 13 at the home of Cockroach Janata Party worker Abdul Hafiz in Karishunda village under Indas police station.
According to the party, Abdul Hafiz and his father, Mohammed Mafiq, were allegedly assaulted during the incident. Mafiq was subsequently admitted to Bardhaman Medical College and died on August 16.
The Cockroach Janata Party has alleged that the attack was carried out by miscreants allegedly backed by the BJP. The party has demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible, stringent punishment for the accused and the establishment of a school in the name of Mohammed Mafiq. It had given the Bankura district administration a 10-day deadline to act on its demands.
Police sources said 11 people have so far been arrested in connection with Mafiq’s death. However, protesters maintain that the arrests alone do not address all their demands. With the party insisting that its remaining demands be fulfilled, it called for the gherao of the District Magistrate’s office on Tuesday.
The heavy security deployment comes amid preparations by both the administration and protesters, with authorities taking measures to prevent any escalation during the demonstration.
