Targeted as ‘Bangladeshi,’ Worker Beaten to Death in Odisha

A migrant worker from West Bengal was beaten to death in Odisha’s Sambalpur on December 24 after being accused of being a “Bangladeshi.” The victim, identified as Juel Sheikh (also reported as Juel Rana), was attacked along with two other workers by a group of men who demanded to see their Aadhaar cards. Witnesses say the attackers called them “Bangladeshis” before launching the assault.

According to their contractor, Haque Saheb, the three workers had gone out for tea when four to five men confronted them. As the workers prepared to show their identity cards, the attackers began beating them with sticks. Juel suffered a severe head injury and died on the way to hospital, while the other two workers were injured but are now stable. Haque added that his team had been working peacefully in Sambalpur for 13 years and had never faced such violence before.

Police officials said the case has been registered at Ainthapali police station and all accused have been arrested. Inspector General of Police Himansu Lal described the incident as one of “sudden provocation” rather than a targeted attack. Additional SP Srimanta Barik explained that the workers were familiar with the local group and often socialized with them. On the night of the attack, an argument reportedly broke out when locals asked for a bidi, which escalated into violence.

The killing has sparked outrage, with migrant groups and political parties demanding justice and protection for Bengali workers. The incident also highlights the vulnerability of migrant laborers in India, especially those from border states like West Bengal, who are often mistaken for Bangladeshis. In August, police in neighboring Jharsuguda district detained 444 people on suspicion of illegal entry, but later confirmed that most were migrant workers from West Bengal.

This tragedy has raised fresh concerns about identity-based harassment and the safety of migrant workers in Odisha and other parts of India. While police insist the attack was not targeted, the repeated demand for Aadhaar cards and the use of “Bangladeshi” slurs point to deeper tensions over migration and citizenship.