Widespread tension erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on Friday after the body of a migrant worker from the area was recovered from his rented room in neighbouring Jharkhand. The death triggered allegations of targeted assault and political accusations, prompting road and rail blockades as local residents demanded justice.
The victim, identified as Alauddin Sheikh alias Alai Sheikh (30), hailed from Sujapur under Kumarpur gram panchayat in Beldanga of Murshidabad. He had travelled to Jharkhand five years ago seeking work and was earning a living as a hawker. On Thursday, his body was found hanging from his rented accommodation.
While Jharkhand police initially suggested suicide, the family alleged he was murdered. According to Alauddin’s mother, “Miscreants beat him and strangled him to death. They hung his body later to make it look like suicide.” Family members further claimed Alauddin had been harassed repeatedly for being Bengali. They alleged that he was branded “Bangladeshi” and targeted by locals.
News of the death sparked massive protests in Beldanga on Friday morning. Demonstrators blocked the crucial Dalhousie–Bakkhali National Highway 12, burning tyres and halting the movement of vehicles. The arterial route, which connects North Bengal to Kolkata, remained blocked for hours, causing significant traffic disruption and leaving several tourist-bound and commercial vehicles stranded.
Simultaneously, another group of protesters blocked train services at Beldanga railway station, bringing operations on the Sealdah–Lalgola section to a standstill. Protesters placed bamboo poles on the tracks and demanded action against those responsible for the alleged murder.
Protesters claimed Muslim migrant workers were coming under increasing attack in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “We will not withdraw until the Chief Minister meets us,” a group of demonstrators declared.
Murshidabad Superintendent of Police Kumar Sunny Raj rushed to Beldanga to defuse tensions. “We have begun an investigation and will arrest those responsible, irrespective of circumstances,” he assured protesters. As the victim’s body arrived in his hometown on Friday, emotions ran high, and clashes were narrowly avoided. Following discussions with district authorities, the family was reportedly offered government employment for one member and financial support, after which blockades were gradually lifted.
The incident quickly took on political overtones. Former Pradesh Congress president and ex-Berhampore MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury visited the victim’s home, condemned the Jharkhand incident and urged restraint from protesters. He said, “Every citizen has the right to travel and work anywhere in India. Why should they flee? If required, I will go meet officials myself.”
Chowdhury accused the West Bengal government of inaction and warned of rising hostility against Bengali-speaking workers in several states. “In many states, there is resentment toward Bengali workers. The state must speak to governments where migrant workers travel for employment and appoint welfare officers for their protection,” he said.
The ruling Trinamool Congress also reacted sharply. TMC MP and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee telephoned Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, demanding a fair investigation and exemplary punishment for the culprits. Soren reportedly assured Banerjee that police had already begun probing the case and that “no lapse would be tolerated.” Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed for peace, urging protesters not to resort to violence while seeking justice.
Alauddin had reportedly informed his family about harassment during his work trips across Jharkhand’s villages. His phone was found switched off on Thursday evening, hours before news of his death reached the family.
The incident has reignited debate about the safety of migrant workers from Bengal, especially those employed in northern and western states. Murshidabad alone sends lakhs of labourers to other parts of India each year for work ranging from construction to vending.
