Mamata Banerjee Condemns Migrant Worker Murder in Odisha
Mamata Banerjee's Strong Condemnation
On Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her outrage over the murder of a migrant worker from Murshidabad, which occurred in Sambalpur, Odisha, on December 24. In a statement, she condemned the brutal oppression faced by Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-ruled states, asserting that her government stands in solidarity with the oppressed and terrified migrant Bengali families, pledging to provide them with all necessary support. She emphasized that while human life is invaluable, her administration is committed to offering financial compensation in cases of fatalities.
Financial Assistance for Victims' Families
Banerjee further announced that the victim's family would receive financial aid. She highlighted that several migrant workers in the Jangipur area of Odisha have recently faced various forms of abuse. It is particularly tragic that a young migrant worker from the Sutia region was brutally killed on December 24 in Sambalpur. Many workers from Murshidabad are returning home in fear following this heartbreaking incident, and Banerjee assured that her government would expedite financial assistance to the victim's family.
Allegations of Ethnic Targeting
The Chief Minister also alleged that the murder was motivated by the victim's Bengali ethnicity. She stated, "We strongly condemn the perpetrators of these incidents in BJP-ruled states and promise to assist the victims in every possible way. Speaking Bengali is not a crime." In the case of the deceased, Jewel Rana, the West Bengal police have registered a zero FIR at the Sutia police station and arrested six individuals. A police team from West Bengal has been dispatched to Odisha for further investigation.
Details of the Incident
Earlier, on December 25, Sambalpur's SDPO, Srimanta Barik, provided details about the incident, stating, "Some workers lived and worked here and had befriended locals. A dispute arose when a few individuals, under the influence of alcohol, approached them for cigarettes, leading to a confrontation. One group struck the victim on the head, causing severe injuries that resulted in his death. Six individuals have been arrested in connection with this incident, and more arrests are expected soon."