Shocking Incident in Keonjhar: Five Workers Arrested for Molestation Attempt

In a disturbing event in Keonjhar, police arrested five workers from West Bengal for allegedly molesting and attempting to abduct a woman. The incident occurred while the victim was on her way to work, leading to a swift police response after her family filed a complaint. This case raises questions amid ongoing discussions about the treatment of migrant workers in Odisha. Read on for the full story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 10:05 IST

Arrest of Five Workers in Keonjhar

Joda: On Thursday, law enforcement apprehended five individuals from West Bengal, accused of molesting and attempting to abduct a woman in the Keonjhar district.

The suspects have been named as Farid Sheikh, Sahidul Sheikh, Dildar Hussain, Jamal Sheikh, and Saffi Kul Sheikh, all hailing from the Murshidabad region of West Bengal.

These individuals were employed as masons in Joda town, where the victim was also working alongside them as a laborer.

The incident unfolded when the victim was on her way to work, at which point the accused confronted and molested her, even attempting to abduct her.

Fortunately, the woman's cries for help thwarted their efforts.

Following a complaint lodged by the victim's family at the Joda police station, authorities registered a case and swiftly arrested the suspects.

The accused were presented in court on the same day, as confirmed by Joda police IIC Susant Pradhan.

This incident arises amidst claims by Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the mistreatment of migrant workers from West Bengal in Odisha.

However, events like this paint a starkly different picture.