West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday expressed shock and anger over the killing of Sukhen Mahato, a 24-year-old migrant worker from Purulia, in Pune. The CM described the incident as a “hate crime” targeting Mahato for speaking Bengali and demanded the immediate arrest of the perpetrators.

Mamata, reacting on social media, said she was “shaken, enraged, and sickened” by the murder, emphasizing that Mahato was the sole earning member of his family. She condemned the attack as a consequence of xenophobia and called for swift legal action and administrative support for the victim’s family.

Sukhen Mahato, a resident of Tumrasol village in Purulia, had been working in a local factory in Pune. Mamata alleged that the attack was motivated by hatred and targeted the young man for his language and identity, urging exemplary punishment for those responsible.

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In response, Pune rural police stated that the murder followed an argument between Mahato and two individuals while under the influence of alcohol. Preliminary investigations suggest it stemmed from a personal dispute, with no broader motive involved, according to authorities.

The incident has intensified political tensions in West Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for April-May. The ruling Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP of promoting hostility toward Bengali-speaking migrant workers, while opposition leaders have highlighted other law-and-order concerns in the state.

Mamata reassured Mahato’s family that West Bengal stands with them in their grief. She emphasized that no effort would be spared to secure justice for the deceased, while sharing video footage purportedly showing the victim’s body, which drew widespread attention and outrage.

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