In a harrowing incident that has sparked outrage, another Bengali Muslim labourer has allegedly been brutally killed in India after being suspected of being Bangladeshi, highlighting the persistent threat faced by migrant workers from West Bengal.
The latest tragedy occurred in Komarolu, Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, on Wednesday night, 21 January. Victims’ families have identified the deceased as 32-year-old Manzur Alam Laskar, a resident of Usti in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Manzur had worked for nearly a decade in the region as a skilled craftsman specialising in zari work.
According to family accounts, despite living in the area for years, Manzur had repeatedly been targeted by extremist groups who branded him a “Bangladeshi” and issued threats forcing him to leave. On the night of the attack, he was allegedly accused of theft and beaten to death.
The circumstances leading up to the murder reveal a chilling tale of extortion and intimidation. On Tuesday, 20 January, Manzur’s wife received a call from an unknown number demanding a ransom of ₹25,000. The family managed to collect ₹6,000 and transferred it online, fearing for his life. However, the following night they were informed of his death.
Giyasuddin Laskar, Manzur’s elder brother and a local Trinamool Congress leader in Usti, has condemned the killing as premeditated. “First, they labelled my brother a Bangladeshi, abducted him, demanded ransom, and ultimately murdered him,” he stated.
Currently, the Andhra Pradesh government is led by the TDP–JSP–BJP coalition. The bereaved family has appealed to the West Bengal government to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh authorities to ensure a fair and comprehensive investigation. Locals in Usti are demanding exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.
In a separate incident in Chennai, another Bengali worker, 29-year-old Alamgir Mondal, was found dead beside a railway track on Thursday, 22 January, after being missing for eight days. Alamgir had boarded a train to Hyderabad for work. Railway authorities have suggested an accidental death, but his family suspects foul play.
These incidents come amid growing reports of assaults targeting Bengali Muslim migrant workers in India over alleged Bangladeshi identity. The spate of attacks has left the community gripped by fear and uncertainty.
Recent Attacks on Bengali Migrant Workers in India
| Date | Location | Victim Name | Age | Allegation / Circumstance | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Jan 2026 | Komarolu, Andhra Pradesh | Manzur Alam Laskar | 32 | Branded Bangladeshi; falsely accused of theft | Beaten to death |
| 22 Jan 2026 | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Alamgir Mondal | 29 | Missing for 8 days; body found near railway track | Under investigation (suspected homicide) |
These violent incidents underscore the urgent need for protection measures for migrant workers, particularly those from West Bengal, who are increasingly vulnerable to harassment and targeted attacks.