Bengal Migrant Worker Lynched in Odisha’s Sambalpur; Six Arrested Following Dispute

Sambalpur, Odisha, Dec 26, 2025 A tragic incident in Sambalpur, Odisha, has claimed the life of a migrant worker from West Bengal, highlighting tensions around local disputes and communal suspicion. The victim, identified as Juel Sheikh, was allegedly assaulted by six men following an argument that began over a bidi, leading to a fatal attack that left Sheikh dead and several others injured. According to police, the incident occurred late Wednesday night when Sheikh and other West Bengal migrant workers were preparing food at their living quarters. A group of six men approached them, initially asking for a bidi. When the workers refused, the men demanded to see their Aadhaar cards. The situation escalated into a violent scuffle, during which Sheikh was struck on the head with a hard object. Despite being rushed to the Sambalpur hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. Two other workers were also injured and are undergoing treatment. Injured worker Majhar Khan recounted to authorities, “They first asked for a bidi and then wanted to see our Aadhaar cards. Later, they rammed Juel’s head against a hard object.” Another eyewitness, Nizamuddin Khan, said the attackers accused them of being Bangladeshis before launching the attack. Odisha police have arrested all six accused involved in the lynching. IGP (Northern Range) Himanshu Kumar Lal clarified that the crime was not related to the victim’s nationality or identity, noting that the workers had been residing in the area for several years and were familiar with the accused. Authorities have emphasized that the motive appears linked to a personal dispute that escalated, rather than any communal or political agenda. The incident has drawn political attention. The Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, criticized the BJP, claiming that the attack reflected a “sustained campaign against Bengalis” and that misleading narratives branding Bengali-speaking Indians as outsiders have emboldened violence on the streets. The party alleged that such rhetoric has contributed to an environment where mobs feel empowered to act as self-appointed enforcers of identity verification. Residents of the area expressed shock at the brutality of the attack and the loss of Sheikh. Police continue to investigate the case, recording statements from witnesses and gathering evidence, while the arrested suspects await further legal proceedings. The local administration has urged calm and reassured citizens that strict action will be taken to prevent further incidents and maintain law and order in Sambalpur. This incident underscores the dangers of mob violence and the importance of conflict resolution before disputes escalate to fatal consequences. Bengal Migrant Worker Lynched in Odisha’s Sambalpur; Six Arrested Following Dispute A shocking incident in Sambalpur, Odisha, has left a West Bengal migrant worker dead after a late-night dispute turned deadly. Juel Sheikh, who was preparing food with fellow workers at their residence, was attacked by six men following a disagreement that started over a bidi. The altercation escalated when the men demanded to see the workers’ Aadhaar cards, and Sheikh was struck on the head with a hard object, succumbing to his injuries at the hospital. Two others were also injured and are undergoing treatment. Witnesses said the attackers accused the workers of being Bangladeshis before assaulting them. Injured worker Majhar Khan said, “They first asked for bidi, then wanted to see our Aadhaar cards. Later, they rammed Juel’s head against a hard object.” Another eyewitness, Nizamuddin Khan, confirmed the attackers repeatedly branded them as outsiders during the attack. Odisha police have arrested all six accused and clarified that the attack was not linked to the victim’s nationality or identity. Officials said the workers had been living in the area for several years and were familiar with the accused. The authorities are investigating the dispute further to determine the full chain of events. The incident has sparked political reactions, with the Trinamool Congress blaming the BJP for creating an environment where Bengali-speaking Indians are seen as outsiders. They said such narratives can embolden mobs to take the law into their own hands. Residents in Sambalpur have expressed shock and grief over the loss of Sheikh. Police are conducting a thorough investigation, recording witness statements, and ensuring strict action against the accused. The administration has called for calm and assured the community that law and order will be maintained. This tragic case highlights the dangers of mob violence and the importance of addressing disputes before they escalate into fatal incidents.