In a tragic incident targeting a Bengali-speaking migrant worker, 19-year-old Juyel Rana was allegedly beaten to death by a mob on Wednesday night in Sambalpur district, Odisha. Six people have been arrested in connection with the case.

The deceased, Juyel Rana, was a resident of Chakbahadurpur village under Suti police station in Murshidabad district. Family members and co-workers allege that he and his companions were attacked after being suspected of being “Bangladeshi.” At the time of the attack, Juyel was returning from work.

According to local sources, the assailants demanded identification and made the victims chant “Jai Shri Ram” before assaulting them with bamboo sticks. Juyel was immediately taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Two other workers, Akiur Rahman (19) and Sanowar Husain (27), were seriously injured and are undergoing treatment.

Sambalpur Police Additional Superintendent Shrimanta Barik stated that the deceased and the accused were known to each other, and the case is being investigated as a personal dispute. However, the family and local migrant workers have rejected this claim.

TMC leaders condemned the incident, highlighting that Bengali workers are being continuously targeted because of their language and identity. Rajya Sabha MP and President of the West Bengal Migrant Workers Welfare Board, Samirul Islam, said, “This attack reflects the anti-Bengali attitude of the BJP. The Bengal government should raise the issue with the Odisha government and ensure compensation for the family.”

Juyel Rana had arrived in Odisha on December 20 for a three-month work stint, earning ₹600 per day. The family is in deep shock over the incident.

Police are continuing the investigation and questioning all accused individuals.