Murshidabad Sees Violent Unrest Over Migrant Worker's Death
Violent protests erupted in Beldanga, Murshidabad district, on Friday. The unrest followed the death of a migrant worker in Jharkhand. Angry locals blocked railway tracks and National Highway-12 for over five hours.
Communication Crippled Between North and South Bengal
The blockade severely disrupted communication between North and South Bengal. Several trains, including the Hazarika Express, came to a halt. Hundreds of buses and trucks remained stranded on the highway.
Protesters gathered at Maheshpur on the Sealdah-Lalgola railway section. They placed bamboo poles on the tracks. Tyres were set on fire on the national highway.
Police vehicles sustained damage during the protest. At least twelve people suffered injuries. Journalists were among the injured. A woman reporter from a Bengali news channel and her photographer faced alleged assault.
Death of Alauddin Sheikh Sparks Outrage
The protests began after Alauddin Sheikh was found dead in Jharkhand on Friday morning. Sheikh, a Beldanga resident, worked as a scrap dealer. His family alleged he was brutally murdered.
Local outrage quickly turned into a large-scale demonstration. The protest started around 9 am and lasted for several hours.
Authorities Intervene, Blockade Lifted
Murshidabad Police District Superintendent Sunny Raj and District Magistrate Nitin Singhania spoke with protesters in the afternoon. After discussions, the blockade was lifted.
Rail and road connectivity restored in Murshidabad by evening. One train bound for Kolkata and two trains for Lalgola departed from various stations in the district.
Political Reactions Pour In
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed for calm while leaving for a tour to North Bengal. She acknowledged the legitimate anger of the people.
"Bengali-speaking migrant workers are being attacked in various states. The state government stands with the families of the deceased," Banerjee said outside Kolkata Airport.
The BJP criticized the state government, accusing it of protecting lawbreakers. The party posted on X, questioning women's safety and press freedom in Bengal.
Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury visited the deceased's family. He criticized the state government for failing to provide employment opportunities.
"Why are our brothers repeatedly returning in coffins after going to work in other states?" Chowdhury asked.
He promised to speak with the Jharkhand government to ensure the culprits are brought to justice.
Concerns Over Migrant Worker Safety
Humayun Kabir, Janata Unnayan Party founder and Bharatpur MLA, expressed deep concern. He highlighted the rising number of deaths among Murshidabad residents working outside the state.
Kabir called for a swift investigation into Alauddin Sheikh's death. He urged the administration to take immediate action.
The incident has once again brought migrant worker safety into sharp focus. It underscores the vulnerabilities faced by laborers seeking work in other states.
