Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Bengal man dies shielding son over CJP protest apology demand
A father in India was hurt very badly and died because he tried to keep his son safe.
The son had gone to a big protest in Delhi, the capital city.
When he came home, some men were angry and asked him to take down videos he had posted and record a new video saying sorry.
The son refused.
The men attacked him, and his father stepped in to protect him.
The father was hit with a shovel and sticks and got very hurt.
He was taken to a hospital, but the doctors could not save him, and he died.
Police arrested some of the men and are still questioning others.
Leaders said the people who did this would be punished.
It is a very sad story about a father who loved his son very much.
Sekh Mohammad Mafik, a 51-year-old man, died after being assaulted while shielding his son from a group of men in Karishunda village, Bankura, West Bengal.
His son, Sekh Abdul Hafiz, had returned from a Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest in Delhi, where he said he was detained at Rajiv Chowk on July 20 during a lathi-charge and use of tear gas.
The attackers allegedly demanded that Hafiz withdraw his Facebook videos about his childhood school and post an apology video for participating in the Delhi protest.
Mafik was attacked on August 9 and again on August 13, allegedly with a shovel and bamboo sticks, and died during treatment at Burdwan Medical College and Hospital on August 15.
Three of the five people named in the FIR have been arrested and eight youths detained for questioning; Suvendu Adhikari denied any BJP involvement in the incident.
- Who
- Sekh Mohammad Mafik, 51, of Karishunda village, died after intervening to protect his son Sekh Abdul Hafiz from a group of local men; the accused are alleged to be led by Sekh Azad and Srikanta Majhi.
- What
- Mafik was allegedly beaten with a shovel and bamboo sticks and died during treatment after the group attacked his son over his participation in the CJP protest and refusal to post an apology video.
- When
- The attacks occurred on August 9 and August 13, and Mafik died on the evening of August 15.
- Where
- Karishunda village under Indas police station in Bankura, West Bengal; the son had earlier joined a protest in Delhi and was detained at Rajiv Chowk.
- Why
- The attackers allegedly demanded that Hafiz withdraw two Facebook videos about his dilapidated childhood school and upload a video apologising for taking part in the Delhi protest.
Family and local allegations
BJP leadership
Political involvement in the attack
Family and local allegations
Several quarters alleged that BJP supporters were behind the attack on the family.
BJP leadership
Suvendu Adhikari dismissed the charge, saying the BJP had no role in the incident and that the accused are criminals who will face legal action.
- Victim
- Sekh Mohammad Mafik, 51
- Location
- Karishunda village, Bankura, West Bengal
- Date of death
- August 15, evening
- Hospital
- Burdwan Medical College and Hospital
- Trigger
- Son's participation in the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest in Delhi
- Alleged attackers
- Group allegedly led by Sekh Azad and Srikanta Majhi
- Arrests
- Three of five FIR-named persons arrested; eight youths detained for questioning
- Official response
- Suvendu Adhikari denied BJP role; Panchayat Minister Dilip Ghosh promised strict action