Four migrant labourers from West Bengal’s Murshidabad district have accused locals in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, of assaulting them earlier this month for speaking in Bengali. They claim they were targeted over suspicions of being illegal Bangladeshi migrants.
According to a police complaint filed in Murshidabad on 18th July, the incident occurred on 15th July when Sujan Sheikh, his brother Milan Sheikh, and two others—Sahil Sheikh and Babu Sheikh—were working at a construction site in Tiruvallur. The group had travelled to Chennai around three weeks ago in search of work.
Sujan Sheikh alleged that some local residents confronted them, asking their names and where they were from.
After they heard labourers speaking in Bengali, they started beating them with iron rods and sticks, accusing them of being Bangladeshis."
The injured labourers were initially taken to a government hospital in Tiruvallur for treatment. Sujan claims he suffered a fractured hand in the attack, requiring surgery, and is still under medical care.
The labourers also alleged that they had approached the local police in Chennai earlier but no action was taken. Sujan said, "We’ve been coming to Chennai for work for the past four years. Nothing like this has ever happened before. We’re still in shock."
They further claimed they were not paid for 11 days of work before returning home. Meanwhile, Murshidabad Police confirmed receiving the complaint and stated they are in touch with Tamil Nadu Police regarding the matter.
