The Trinamool Congress has rejected Pune Police’s assertion that a West Bengal migrant worker was killed in a drunken altercation. The police stated that Sukhen Mahato, from Purulia district, was allegedly intoxicated and involved in a scuffle with two individuals, leading to his death. However, the ruling party in West Bengal dismissed this account, accusing the police of trying to save face.
Allegations have emerged of harassment against Bengali-speaking migrant workers in BJP-ruled states, including Maharashtra, with claims of targeted attacks and killings. The TMC alleges that these workers are being targeted based on their language and identity, a sentiment echoed by the family of the deceased in Pune. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the incident, attributing the death to language, identity, and roots-based discrimination.
Pune Police’s detailed statement revealed that the incident occurred on a Monday night, with Mahato failing to report for work and instead wandering in an inebriated state. An altercation ensued, captured on CCTV, leading to Mahato’s death by a sharp-edged weapon. The police maintain that the murder was a result of a drunken dispute, with no other motives identified yet.
Amidst the conflicting narratives, Abhishek Banerjee, a TMC leader, is set to visit Purulia to meet Mahato’s family. TMC leaders continue to challenge the police’s version, citing a pattern of harassment against Bengalis in various states and accusing the Maharashtra police of deflecting blame.
