Migrant from Malda stabbed in Madhya Pradesh, family alleges language profiling

A migrant worker from Malda was allegedly attacked in Madhya Pradesh, triggering fresh concerns over the safety of Bengali-speaking labourers working outside the state. The injured worker, identified as Syed Sheikh (37), a resident of Paharpur in Kaliachak, Malda, is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Madhya Pradesh after sustaining serious injuries to his abdomen and hand.

No arrests have been made so far, said sources.

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According to his family members, he was attacked with a knife on 19 February. Family members have alleged that the assault was motivated by linguistic bias. “He was often harassed for being a Bengali. He had told us earlier that he felt threatened. This attack happened because he spoke in Bengali,” a relative claimed over the phone, demanding strict punishment for those responsible.

Syed Sheikh had reportedly travelled to Madhya Pradesh a few months ago to run a small garment business. The family said he had been trying to establish himself there when the incident occurred. They alleged that unidentified assailants suddenly attacked him with a sharp weapon, leaving him critically injured. So far, no arrests have been reported in connection with the incident. The ruling Trinamul Congress in West Bengal has repeatedly alleged that migrant workers from the state are being targeted in BJP-ruled states. Party leaders claim that several Bengali-speaking workers have faced harassment and violence in recent months, and in some cases, have even been killed.

The incident comes close on the heels of the alleged murder of migrant worker Sukhen Mahato in Pune, Maharashtra. Mahato, a Kurmi labourer from Bandhdi village in Boro Bazar area of Purulia’s Junglemahal region, was reportedly killed while working there. The incident had sparked sharp political reactions in the state. Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee had visited Mahato’s family following the incident.

In another recent development, the mysterious death of yet another migrant worker from Purulia in Bengaluru came to light on Friday, further intensifying political debate over the safety of workers from Bengal employed in other states.

Meanwhile, local Trinamul Congress leaders in Malda have extended support to Syed Sheikh’s family and assured them of all possible assistance. Party representatives visited the family and expressed concern over the recurring incidents involving migrant workers from the state. The fresh allegation has once again brought the issue of migrant workers’ safety into focus, even as authorities in Madhya Pradesh are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.