A migrant labourer from West Bengal’s Murshidabad district was beaten to death in an alleged mob attack in neighbouring Odisha, while two other workers from the same district sustained grievous injuries, triggering political outrage and tension in the area.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night in Sambalpur district of Odisha, a BJP-ruled state. The deceased has been identified as Jewel Rana (30), a resident of Suti-I block in Murshidabad. The injured workers are Arik Sheikh and Palash Sheikh, both from Murshidabad, who are currently undergoing treatment in a critical condition. According to police and local sources, Jewel, Arik and Palash had travelled to Sambalpur on 20 December along with a few other youths in search of work. They were reportedly engaged as labourers.
On Wednesday evening, around 8.30 p.m, Jewel went to a local tea stall where Arik and Palash were already present. The three were conversing in Bengali when a group of five assailants allegedly confronted them.
The attackers reportedly branded the workers as “Bangladeshis” and began assaulting them. Even after the workers produced valid identity documents, the assailants allegedly continued the attack, accusing them of being illegal migrants. Arik and Palash managed to flee the spot despite sustaining injuries, but Jewel was caught by the group and beaten mercilessly. He collapsed on the ground and was left alone as the attackers fled. Police reached the spot following information from locals and rushed Jewel to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His family in Murshidabad has been informed. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Thursday.
Sambalpur police have started an investigation, though no arrests had been made till the filing of this report. Tension prevails in the area following the incident. The killing has sparked sharp political reactions in West Bengal. Minister of state (power) Akhruzzaman alleged that Bengali Muslim migrant workers were being targeted in “double-engine” BJP-ruled states. “In Odisha, a migrant worker named Jewel Rana has been beaten to death. Several others are seriously injured. BJP is anti-Bengali and particularly anti-Muslim,” he said, adding that the state government would ensure medical treatment and assistance for the injured workers.
Trinamul spokesperson and minister Shashi Panja said the party stood firmly with the bereaved family. “We will extend all possible help. But will BJP answer—can they bring back the life that was lost?” she asked. BJP leader Sajal Ghosh, however, countered by questioning why the worker had to migrate to Odisha for employment and demanded an explanation from the Trinamul Congress. The incident has once again brought the safety of migrant workers and the issue of vigilantism over identity into sharp focus.