Migrant Labourer Lynched in Odisha: Six Arrested Amid Controversy

A tragic incident unfolded in Sambalpur, Odisha, where a 30-year-old migrant labourer, Jewel Sheikh, was lynched, prompting the arrest of six individuals. While some allege the attack was racially motivated, police claim it stemmed from a dispute over a beedi. This incident has reignited discussions about the treatment of Bengali-speaking migrants in BJP-ruled states, with many facing undue scrutiny regarding their citizenship. Local leaders have promised support to the victim's family as investigations continue.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 25, 2025, 17:27 IST

Tragic Incident in Sambalpur

A 30-year-old migrant worker from Murshidabad district in West Bengal was tragically killed in Sambalpur, Odisha, on Wednesday. Reports indicate that six individuals have been detained in connection with this incident.

The deceased, identified as Jewel Sheikh, was originally from Chakbahadurpur village and had been employed in Sambalpur.

While family and colleagues suggested that Jewel was targeted due to suspicions of him being an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh, local police refuted these claims, asserting that the victim was acquainted with his attackers.

The violent encounter occurred in the Shantinagar locality as Jewel and his fellow construction workers were heading home after their shift.

Paltu Sheikh, a co-worker from Murshidabad, recounted that they were at a tea stall when a group approached them asking for a beedi.

According to Paltu, the situation escalated when the group demanded to see their Aadhaar cards and inquired about their origins. After they complied, the assailants, armed with bamboo sticks, began to assault them. Jewel suffered a severe head injury, while others were also hurt.

Despite being rushed to a hospital, Jewel was pronounced dead upon arrival. Two other workers, Akir Sheikh and Palash Sheikh, sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in Sambalpur.

Paltu expressed that he had been working in Odisha for over a decade and noted that this was the first time they had encountered such violence.

Sambalpur's Additional Superintendent of Police, Srimanta Barik, stated that the migrant workers had been residing in the area for years and were well-known to the locals. He indicated that the attack stemmed from a dispute over a beedi.

Barik explained, "A group suddenly attacked the Bengali migrant workers after they refused to comply with their demands." He confirmed that six suspects have been arrested and that investigations are ongoing to identify any additional participants.

Himansu Lal, the Inspector General of Police for the Northern Range, also mentioned that the murder appeared to be a result of sudden provocation rather than a premeditated act.

In the aftermath of the incident, local leaders from the Trinamool Congress, including Emani Biswas, the MLA from West Bengal’s Suti, visited Jewel Sheikh’s family to offer support.

Samirul Islam, a Trinamool Congress MP and chairperson of the West Bengal Migrant Labour Welfare Board, criticized the targeting of Bengali-speaking workers in BJP-ruled states, questioning how many more lives would be lost.

Since May, numerous Bengali-speaking migrants have faced scrutiny in BJP-governed regions, being compelled to prove their citizenship, with some unjustly labeled as foreigners and forced into Bangladesh despite their Indian nationality.