Tragic Deaths of Two Bengal Migrant Workers in Southern States
In a heartbreaking development, two migrant workers from West Bengal have been killed in separate incidents in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala within the past 24 hours, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by migrant laborers from the state.
First Incident: Manjur Alam Laskar in Andhra Pradesh
Manjur Alam Laskar, a 32-year-old resident from Bishnupur village under Usthi police station in South 24 Parganas district, had been working in Andhra Pradesh for nearly a decade. He had recently returned home to Bengal about a month ago and went back to Andhra Pradesh approximately 20 days later.
On Tuesday, his family received a distressing phone call demanding Rs 25,000 as ransom, with a clear threat that he would be killed if the money was not paid. The family managed to transfer Rs 6,000 in response to the demand. Tragically, on Wednesday, the caller informed them that Alam was dead.
Alam's elder brother, Giyasuddin Laskar, who serves as the local panchayat vice-president, has alleged that his brother was targeted specifically because he was a Bengali-speaking Muslim, with suspicions that he might be Bangladeshi. The family has now demanded a thorough investigation into the unclear circumstances surrounding his death.
Second Incident: Alamgir Alam in Kerala
In a separate and equally tragic incident, Alamgir Alam, a 29-year-old from Masaldaha under Harishchandrapur police station in Malda district, had traveled to Chennai about a month ago, leaving behind his wife and two young children.
He reportedly found another job opportunity in Hyderabad eight days ago and was traveling there when he went missing. His last communication with his wife was on January 14, just before he boarded a train. On Wednesday, his body was discovered beside a railway track near a station in Chennai.
His family strongly suspects foul play, believing he was killed and his body deliberately dumped near the railway tracks. The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious and concerning.
Broader Implications and Family Demands
These two incidents occurring within 24 hours have raised serious questions about the safety and security of migrant workers from West Bengal who travel to other states for employment. The families of both victims are demanding:
- Comprehensive investigations into both deaths
- Clarity on the circumstances surrounding each incident
- Justice for their loved ones
- Better protection for migrant workers
The tragic deaths underscore the challenges faced by migrant laborers, particularly those from linguistic and religious minorities, as they seek livelihoods away from their home states.
