Bengal migrant’s murder in Pune: ‘No community targeting involved,’ Police rule out Mamata’s ‘hate crime’ claim

The Pune Police today dismissed claims that there was any ‘community targeting’ involved in the incident that led to the death of a migrant worker from Bengal in Pune, Maharashtra. Police stated that the incident occurred after an argument broke out between the victim and two individuals. SSP Pune Rural, Sandeep Singh Gill, said, “Our investigation to date reveals that his argument with two individuals led to this incident. The two suspects, who appear to be involved, are currently being traced by the police…”

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Thursday had called the incident a hate crime and alleged that the deceased was attacked for his language and identity.

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Also, TMC general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee today met the bereaved family and extended his condolences. Also, he assured the family that his party will take up the issue legally. Demanding justice for the family, TMC MP said, “If those involved get bail, police should oppose it. If they can’t, transfer the case to us; within 50 days, we will solve the case.”

The brutal lynching of Sukhen Mahato, a hardworking young man from Purulia who had travelled to Pune in search of livelihood, has cast a pall of grief over Bengal.

Shri @abhishekaitc visited the family home in Tumrasole to stand with the bereaved family in their hour of… pic.twitter.com/O8ZvMd9RT5

— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) February 13, 2026

Pune Police issues statement

In a statement, the Pune Police said that Shikrapur Police Station received information about the body being found at around 10 a.m. on 10 February and a murder case was registered immediately under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

After the preliminary investigation, the deceased was identified as 24-year-old Suken Kiren Mahato. Originally from Purulia district in West Bengal, Mahato was working at a company in the Koregaon area.

#WATH | Pune, Maharashtra: On Shikrapur Murder Case, SSP Pune Rural, Sandeep Singh Gill says, “… On 10 February, at around 10 a.m., Shikrapur Police Station received information about a body being found. The police immediately registered a murder case. As the investigation… pic.twitter.com/lg6R2qvHy9

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2026