Bengal school audit row: CJP alleges attack on volunteer’s family, father dies

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has alleged that the father of one of its volunteers in West Bengal’s Bankura district died after being assaulted following the volunteer’s participation in the organisation’s ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has backed the student, Abdul Hafiz, and called for the arrest of those allegedly responsible for his father’s death. Dipke described the incident as deeply disturbing and said those behind the alleged attack should be held accountable.

According to reports, Hafiz had participated in the CJP’s campaign, under which volunteers visit government schools and document shortcomings in basic facilities. The incident in Bankura allegedly followed one such school audit.

What happened in Bankura

Accordimg to media reports, Hafiz’s father was allegedly attacked on Aug 13 and died on Aug 15, two days after the incident. The CJP has alleged that the assault was linked to the school audit carried out as part of its campaign.

The organisation has accused BJP workers of being behind the alleged attack. However, the allegation has not been established as a fact.

CJP co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka criticised the BJP and the West Bengal Police over the incident. The organisation has also sought action against those it holds responsible for the assault and subsequent death.

Dipke expressed support for Hafiz and sought the arrest of those responsible for his father's death. He also said the incident made him angry and called for immediate action.

The ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign

The incident comes days after the CJP launched its ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign, aimed at highlighting deficiencies in government school infrastructure.

The campaign involves visits to government schools and documentation of issues concerning basic facilities. Dipke had earlier announced the initiative as a nationwide campaign focused on improving government schools, particularly those in rural areas.

The Bankura incident has now brought the campaign into a political controversy, with the CJP alleging that participation in the initiative led to the attack on Hafiz’s family.

The CJP has blamed BJP workers for the alleged attack, while reports have also carried responses from BJP leaders rejecting any connection between the party and the incident.

Dipke has called for those responsible to be arrested and for justice for Hafiz's family. The CJP has also said it will send a team to West Bengal in connection with the case.

The incident has consequently turned attention from the CJP's school campaign to the safety of people participating in it, while also becoming another point of political confrontation in West Bengal.