Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Monday spoke to Shaik Abdul Hafeez, a 25-year-old CJP volunteer whose father died after an alleged assault at their home in West Bengal’s Bankura district. Banerjee assured Hafeez and his family of her support, while a TMC delegation also visited the bereaved family.
“I have heard in details about the incident. They are killing everyone…it is sad, a very sad incident. This is a very concerning state of affairs,” the former CM said extending unfettered assurance.
“We were and are with you,” she added. Responding to Banerjee, Hafeez informed that his phone has been snatched by the miscreants, which had several videos of the alleged attacks rained on him and the family before he succumbed to his injuries.
“I have informed the investigating officers regarding the situation and shared my mobile’s IMEI number to assist investigation,” Hafeez informed Banerjee. The TMC chair suggested Hafeez to collect all important documents, including the postmortem report, and bring them to Kalighat.
The incident reportedly followed Hafeez’s participation in the CJP’s “School Thik Karo” campaign. On August 13, he had visited Karisunda West Para Primary School to document deficiencies in government school infrastructure, according to the organisation.
Armed Men Allegedly Entered House
According to the CJP volunteer, armed men entered Hafeez’s home later that evening and allegedly demanded that he record an apology video, claiming he had highlighted the school’s condition at someone else’s behest.
When Hafeez refused, the assailants allegedly attacked him and his father, Janab Mafik, using sticks, rods and a crowbar. Mafik later died at Burdwan Medical College and Hospital from injuries sustained in the alleged assault.
The incident has since triggered a political confrontation in Bengal, with allegations being levelled against BJP supporters. The BJP, however, has denied any organisational link to the incident. Police arrested eight people in connection with the case, according to the report.
Mamata Assures Family of Support
A TMC leader said Banerjee personally spoke to Hafeez and expressed concern over the death of his father.
“Mamata Banerjee spoke to Abdul Hafeez and assured him of her support. She also conveyed her solidarity with the family following the death of his father,” the TMC leader said.
A TMC delegation also visited the family. Bankura district unit joint convenor Sukhen Bid said the party would stand with the bereaved family.
“We stand by the family. We will support him throughout and see that they get justice,” Bid said.
