Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has taken strong note of a violent assault on a young migrant labourer from the state in Chennai, promising severe punishment for the attackers and full support for the victim's recovery.
Chief Minister's Stern Response and Government Action
In a firm statement on Tuesday, CM Majhi emphasized that the safety and dignity of all Odias are of utmost priority to his government. The Odisha government has taken the incident very seriously and is in constant touch with the Tamil Nadu administration, as confirmed by a post from the Chief Minister's Office on social media platform X.
The state government has assured that all necessary steps are being taken at the administrative level to ensure the victim receives excellent medical treatment and assistance. Demonstrating proactive measures, the Odisha government has deputed a special officer to Tamil Nadu to investigate the matter on the ground. Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia stated that the officer will conduct a thorough inquiry and submit a detailed report, while also urging the TN government to take strict action.
Details of the Shocking Train Assault
The brutal attack occurred on the evening of December 27 aboard a Chennai–Tiruttani suburban EMU train. The victim, identified as 20-year-old K Suraj from Odisha, works as a daily-wage labourer in Tamil Nadu.
According to police reports, four 17-year-old school dropouts boarded the train at Thiruvalangadu station, carrying sickles concealed in their bags. A brief exchange in Hindi reportedly triggered the violence. The teenagers, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, then launched a savage attack on Suraj inside the train compartment.
In a disturbing twist, one of the assailants filmed the entire assault. The video was later posted on Instagram, showing the group posing with weapons and flashing victory signs near railway quarters close to Tiruttani station.
Aftermath, Arrests, and Ongoing Concerns
Suraj sustained deep cuts and severe bleeding from the attack. He managed to stumble out of the train and reach a nearby road, where alert passers-by informed the railway police. He was first rushed to Tiruttani Government Hospital and later transferred to Thiruvallur Government Medical College and Hospital for advanced care. Doctors have reported that his condition is now stable after emergency treatment.
Acting on the viral video, police moved swiftly to track down the suspects. All four teenagers were detained the same night near the Gangai Amman Temple on the Tiruttani–Arakkonam bypass. They were subsequently produced before the Juvenile Justice Board in Tiruvallur.
This incident has reignited critical conversations about the safety and security of interstate migrant workers in India. CM Majhi's assertive stance, stating his government's determination to ensure the safety of every Odia brother and sister working outside the state, highlights the political and administrative attention such cases demand.
