What Happened to the Migrant Worker from Beldanga?
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Synopsis
Tensions rise in Beldanga, West Bengal, as the body of Alauddin Sheikh, a migrant worker believed to be murdered in Jharkhand, returns to his village. Protests erupt, blocking highways and railways, highlighting the community's outrage and fear.
Key Takeaways
- Alauddin Sheikh was a street hawker from Beldanga.
- Tensions escalated following allegations of foul play in his death.
- Protests resulted in significant traffic disruptions.
- Political leaders are calling for increased police presence.
- The community is demanding justice and accountability.
Kolkata, Jan 16 (NationPress) Tension erupted in Beldanga, located in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, on Friday when the remains of a local migrant worker, allegedly murdered in the neighboring Jharkhand, returned to his hometown.
The deceased was identified as Alauddin Sheikh (36), hailing from Sujarpur-Kamarpur village panchayat in Beldanga.
Sheikh had been residing in Jharkhand, working as a street hawker to support his family.
His relatives reported receiving news of his tragic death on Thursday morning from Jharkhand authorities.
The Jharkhand Police conveyed that Sheikh's body was discovered hanging in his rented accommodation.
However, family members contend that the police are attempting to portray the incident as a suicide, while they firmly believe he was first lynched and then his body was suspended.
Upon the arrival of Sheikh's body at his home, a furious local crowd initially blocked the National Highways by igniting tires. Protests later escalated onto the railway tracks, further obstructing rail services.
This dual blockade resulted in substantial traffic snarls on the National Highways, significantly disrupting local train operations.
A police team has been dispatched to the scene to persuade the enraged crowd to clear the blockades.
The opposition leader in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has urged the state police Director General, Rajeev Kumar, to deploy additional forces to restore order.
He described the situation as one of rampant stone pelting during the protests, stating, "The area is under the complete control of hoodlums and goons. There has been no visible police action so far. Thousands of passengers are stranded, frightened, and deprived of food and water, with no relief in sight," he asserted.
Adhikari further criticized the state, claiming that it is losing control to anti-social elements and rioters, who he alleges receive support from the Trinamool Congress.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach the situation with a balanced perspective. The community's distress is palpable, and the allegations surrounding the circumstances of Alauddin Sheikh's death deserve thorough investigation. NationPress stands firm in advocating for justice and accountability, ensuring that the voices of the affected families are heard and acknowledged.
NationPress
16/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Alauddin Sheikh?
Alauddin Sheikh was a 36-year-old migrant worker from Beldanga, West Bengal, who was reportedly killed in Jharkhand.
What happened after his body was returned?
After the return of his body, protests erupted in Beldanga, with locals blocking highways and railways demanding justice.
What do the family members believe?
The family members believe that Sheikh was lynched before his body was hanged, contrary to the police's claim of suicide.
How has the local government responded?
Local police have been dispatched to manage the situation, while opposition leaders have called for additional forces to restore order.
What are the wider implications of this incident?
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in West Bengal regarding law enforcement and community safety, raising questions about political accountability.
