Mamata Condemns Attacks on Bengali Migrants After Odisha Killing

December 27, 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly condemned the recent attack and killing of a Bengali-speaking migrant worker in Odisha’s Sambalpur district, saying such violence against migrants is “brutal” and unacceptable. She highlighted concerns about rising attacks on Bengali-speaking people in states ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and expressed solidarity with the affected families

The incident, which occurred on December 24, involved a young migrant worker from West Bengal who was allegedly beaten to death after an altercation while working in Sambalpur. Authorities have arrested six people in connection with the case, and West Bengal police have registered a zero FIR and sent a team to Odisha to assist with the investigation.

Strong Condemnation and Social Media Statement

Taking to social media platform X, Mamata Banerjee called the attack “extremely unfortunate” and denounced the oppression and persecution of Bengali-speaking families in BJP-ruled states. She emphasized that “speaking the Bengali language cannot be a crime” and reiterated her government’s commitment to supporting the victims and their families.

Banerjee also announced that the West Bengal government will provide financial assistance to the family of the deceased migrant worker. She stressed that no amount of compensation could truly replace a human life, but the state would extend all possible help.

Zero FIR and Police Action

Following the Sambalpur killing, the West Bengal Police promptly registered a zero FIR at Suti police station in Murshidabad and arrested six suspects. A police team from West Bengal has travelled to Odisha to coordinate the investigation, ensuring that justice is pursued and details of the incident are fully examined.

The forceful return of migrants from Odisha, fueled by fear and reports of harassment, has prompted additional concern in Murshidabad and other parts of West Bengal, with some migrant workers reportedly returning home in fear.

Context of Migrant Worker Vulnerability

Mamata Banerjee’s remarks come amid broader allegations from political and civil society groups that Bengali-speaking migrants face discrimination and violence in some non-home states. The West Bengal government has criticized narratives that equate speaking Bengali with being an outsider or an illegal immigrant, arguing that such rhetoric fuels hostility toward law-abiding workers.

These incidents have reignited debate around the safety and rights of internal migrant workers in India, as well as the responsibilities of state and central authorities in preventing violence and protecting citizens regardless of their language or origin.