Kolkata erupted in political fury as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) outright dismissed Pune Police’s assertion that a migrant worker from West Bengal died in a drunken brawl. Sukhen Mahato, hailing from Purulia district, met a tragic end in Maharashtra, sparking accusations of targeted violence against Bengali laborers.
Pune authorities released a statement claiming Mahato was intoxicated during the incident on Monday night. According to police, he picked a fight with two individuals in the Koregaon area after skipping work. Inspector Deeparatan Gaikwad from Shikrapur station revealed CCTV footage showing Mahato arguing while under the influence, though the actual assault wasn’t captured. His body was later found nearby, killed with a sharp weapon.
TMC leaders, however, painted a darker picture. Party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee is scheduled to visit the victim’s family in Purulia on Friday, underscoring the party’s commitment. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to social media, alleging the young man was tortured and killed due to his language, identity, and origins.
This incident fits a disturbing pattern. Recent months have seen multiple claims of harassment and murders of West Bengal migrants in BJP-ruled states like Maharashtra. TMC accuses authorities of shielding perpetrators by fabricating stories of alcohol-fueled fights to save face.
The victim’s family echoes these sentiments, insisting Sukhen was targeted for being Bengali-speaking. As tensions simmer, Banerjee’s visit could amplify calls for justice and better protection for millions of migrant workers toiling away from home. Pune Police maintains their preliminary findings point to a brawl gone wrong, but skepticism from Bengal grows louder.