Bankura police arrest eight following death of man after school inquiry dispute

An investigation is underway in the Indas area of Bankura, West Bengal, following the death of Sheikh Mohammad Mafik. The incident follows an alleged confrontation involving his son, Sheikh Abdul Hafiz, a member of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), who had reportedly visited a local primary school to inquire about its facilities.

Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the cause of death. CJP representatives allege that armed individuals forcibly entered the family home and assaulted them after Hafiz filmed the poor condition of a school. However, the West Bengal Police stated that while an incident occurred on August 13, medical examinations found no life-threatening injuries from the encounter. They reported that Mafik was admitted to Burdwan Medical College due to severe blood pressure fluctuations and passed away that night.

Police have arrested eight individuals in connection with the incident, including three named in the initial FIR, and have sent them to police custody. Two suspects remain at large. The situation has drawn political attention, with CJP leaders demanding justice and issuing an ultimatum to the district administration, while local political figures have denied involvement in the alleged assault.