Migrant Worker's Tragic Death Ignites Violent Protest in Beldanga
An angry crowd brought traffic to a complete standstill on National Highway 12 in Beldanga, Murshidabad, for nearly six hours on Friday morning. The protesters blocked the crucial highway with the body of a 34-year-old migrant worker who died under mysterious circumstances in Jharkhand. This dramatic demonstration also forced multiple long-distance trains to stop in the Sealdah–Lalgola section, causing widespread disruption.
Family's Sole Earner Found Dead in Jharkhand
Alauddin Seikh, known as Alai Seikh, left his Beldanga home just ten days ago to seek work in Daltonganj, Jharkhand. He worked as a hawker to support his family. His father, Nekbas Seikh, is physically disabled, making Alai the only earning member of the household.
On Wednesday afternoon, Alai called his mother, Sona Biwi, and expressed fear about the growing Hindu–Muslim divide in the area. The very next day, locals discovered his body hanging in his locked rented room. They had to break a window to enter. His body was brought back to Beldanga on Friday morning, sparking immediate outrage.
Highway Blockade and Train Disruption
Villagers carried Alai's body to Maheshpur on NH-12 and completely blocked the highway. The protest quickly grew, swelling to several hundred people. Some protesters even spilled onto the railway tracks between Bhabta and Beldanga stations, halting train services.
The demonstration turned violent as protesters burned tyres and pelted stones. Private buses, SUVs, and trucks were stranded on both lanes of the highway. Passengers traveling on the Lalgola–Sealdah route found themselves unable to board their trains.
Journalists Attacked During Coverage
The protesters aggressively prevented media personnel from filming the agitation. They physically assaulted several journalists covering the event. Soma Maity, a journalist, suffered injuries to her legs and waist. Cameraperson Ranjit Mahato received serious head injuries and internal bleeding, requiring admission to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital.
Government Appeals and Family's Plea
Senior police officials attempted to calm the protesters by promising government compensation for the victim's family and a job for his widow. However, the crowd remained defiant. They demanded that the government take concrete steps to protect Bengali-speaking migrants working outside West Bengal.
As the protest continued around noon, Alai's disabled father made an emotional appeal. "We only demand that after Alai's death, the government gives a job to his wife. He has a three-year-old daughter. Otherwise, who will feed us? The Chief Minister assured us of this," said Nekbas Seikh.
Alai's mother, Sona Biwi, also urged for peace. "We want peace. The CM spoke to us sympathetically over the phone and assured us help. Nothing can compensate for a life. Still, I request you to stop the agitation so others do not face any problem. It will bring a bad name to Beldanga. I urge the government to punish those responsible for the death," she pleaded.
Political Intervention and Partial Resolution
Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee spoke directly with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren over the phone. He urged swift identification of the culprits and strict legal action. CM Soren assured him that Jharkhand Police were treating the matter with utmost seriousness.
Following this intervention, the crowd began to disperse, though some protesters remained at the site. Police Superintendent Sunny Raj and District Magistrate Nitin Singhania personally visited the blockade spot. They engaged in discussions with the remaining demonstrators in an effort to fully resolve the situation.
