The West Bengal chapter of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (Association for Protection of Civil Rights) has released a fact-finding report on the death of 45-year-old itinerant hawker Akbar Ali Mondal from Punisol village in Bankura district. The report examines the circumstances of his death in Supordih village of Purulia district on 9 June 2026.
A delegation visited Punisol village on 17 June 2026, meeting the victim’s family, local residents, and police officials to understand the incident. The team also reviewed available evidence and the ongoing investigation.
According to the report, Mondal was allegedly attacked after a dispute over payment during his hawking work. Police have arrested the accused, identified as Biswanath Mahato, and the investigation is still ongoing.
Dispute Over Payment Turned Deadly, Says Report
The fact-finding team found that the incident began as a disagreement over payment for goods but escalated into violence. The report says Mondal was selling items in Supordih village when the accused allegedly took goods without paying.
When Mondal demanded payment, an argument broke out. The accused allegedly returned with a stick and attacked him repeatedly, causing severe injuries to his head and face.
The report also notes that after the assault, the victim’s body was allegedly hidden in a cattle shed. Police later recovered the body and began legal proceedings. The victim was identified by his son, Zulfiqar Ali Mondal.
A video of the attack, reportedly recorded by a witness, is also part of the investigation. The report says this footage is crucial evidence, though it has not been made public.
Family in Crisis After Loss of Sole Breadwinner
The report highlights the severe financial hardship faced by Mondal’s family after his death. He was the only earning member, supporting his wife, two daughters, and son.
His widow told the delegation that he was a “hardworking man who never caused any trouble” and had “no known enemies.” She said the family is now struggling to survive without income.
His son, Zulfiqar Ali Mondal, said he was informed by police and immediately travelled to Purulia. He added that his father had been working as a hawker for over a decade and had no disputes in the past.
The report warns that the family is now facing urgent needs, including education support for children, financial assistance, and long-term livelihood support.
Concerns Over Safety of Itinerant Hawkers
The APCR report also raises broader concerns about the safety of itinerant traders, especially those working outside their native villages. It notes that many hawkers in the region belong to economically vulnerable and socially marginalised groups.
It states, “The death of Akbar Ali Mondal is not only a tragedy for one family; it raises broader questions about the safety, dignity, and protection of vulnerable workers.”
During field visits, residents told the delegation that travelling vendors often face suspicion and harassment. Some community members alleged that Muslim hawkers, in particular, are treated with greater distrust in certain areas.
The report also notes that some vendors have reportedly stopped travelling for work due to fear, affecting their income and livelihood.
Investigation Ongoing, Demand for Fair Probe
Police have registered a case and arrested the accused. Investigators are collecting evidence, examining the scene, and recording witness statements. The video footage of the incident is also under review.
Authorities have assured the family of a fair investigation. However, the report calls for a “thorough, impartial, and evidence-based inquiry free from bias.”
It also recommends protection for witnesses, proper preservation of evidence, and strict legal action against those responsible.
Calls for Compensation and Long-Term Support
The report urges immediate financial relief for the victim’s family, along with compensation through government schemes. It also calls for education support for the children and rehabilitation assistance for the widow.
Beyond individual relief, the report recommends stronger protections for itinerant traders, improved legal safeguards, and better enforcement of safety measures for vulnerable workers.
