A delegation from the Citizens Justice League (CJP) visited the family of volunteer Sheikh Abdul Hafiz in West Bengal following his father's death.
The visit underscores the tensions surrounding the safety of activists and their families in the region. The incident has drawn attention to alleged political violence in the Bankura district.
The delegation was led by CJP national co-convener Ashutosh Ranka. Ranka and the delegation traveled to Karisumba village, also reported as Karisunda village, in the Indas block of the Bankura district to offer condolences and support to the family.
The family's loss followed an alleged assault at their residence. The deceased man, Sekh Mohammad Mafik, was 51 years old [1]. Reports indicate that Mafik died on Aug. 15, 2024 [1, 2].
Details regarding the perpetrators of the attack vary across reports. While some accounts describe the event as an alleged attack at the residence, other reports state the assault was carried out by local BJP workers [2, 3].
Law enforcement has taken action following the incident. Eight BJP workers were arrested in connection with the death [1]. The reports suggest the assault occurred while the father was protecting his son, who is a CJP volunteer [1].
The CJP delegation sought to provide support to the grieving family in the days following the death. The organization continues to monitor the legal proceedings related to the arrests of the eight individuals [1].
“A CJP delegation led by national co‑convener Ashutosh Ranka visited the family of Sheikh Abdul Hafiz.”
This incident highlights the precarious position of grassroots volunteers and their families in politically contested areas of West Bengal. The arrest of eight political workers suggests a significant escalation of local conflict, while the involvement of a national organization like the CJP indicates that local violence is being framed within a broader pattern of targeting human rights defenders.
