Yusuf Pathan Consoles Family Amid Bengal Protests Over Migrant Death

TMC MP from Murshidabad Yusuf Pathan visited the grieving family today in Beldanga to offer condolences and pledge support. Pathan described the incident as “painful” and one that “should not have happened,” strongly condemning harassment of poor Bengali-speaking migrants. He assured the family that TMC, including CM Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, was actively pursuing the case with relevant authorities, including a request for probe from Jharkhand CM’s office.

Pathan announced district helpline numbers for migrant workers facing trouble outside Bengal, urging them to reach out for assistance. He dismissed opposition narratives as propaganda and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to protecting vulnerable labourers. Abhishek Banerjee had earlier coordinated efforts, promising swift action against perpetrators and emphasizing unity against such injustices.

Tensions flared in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district following the unnatural death of migrant worker Alauddin Sheikh in neighbouring Jharkhand. The 37-year-old hawker from Beldanga was found dead under suspicious circumstances, with his family alleging he was beaten and staged as suicide due to his Bengali-speaking identity. The incident ignited violent protests in Beldanga on January 16, where locals blocked National Highway-12 and railway tracks, set tyres ablaze, damaged police vehicles, and injured at least 12 people, including journalists covering the unrest. Demonstrators demanded justice, compensation, and safeguards for migrant workers from the region.

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The protests highlighted recurring concerns over harassment faced by Bengali migrants in other states, echoing similar incidents in recent months. Crowds gathered after Sheikh’s body was brought home, paralyzing traffic and stranding trains and buses for hours. Authorities faced challenges restoring order amid accusations of targeted attacks on workers seeking livelihoods outside Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed for calm, while TMC leaders took up the matter with Jharkhand’s administration.

The episode underscores ongoing vulnerabilities for interstate migrant workers from West Bengal, particularly in border regions like Murshidabad. As demands for accountability grow, the visit by Pathan aims to provide immediate relief to the family while reinforcing governmental and party-level interventions to prevent future tragedies.

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