Bengali worker killed in Odisha: West Bengal Police arrive in Sambalpur, launch probe

A team of West Bengal Police reached Sambalpur district on Sunday to investigate the alleged murder of a migrant worker earlier in Odisha’s Danipali locality under Ainthapali police limits. The three-member team from Suti Police Station in Murshidabad district includes a Sub-Inspector, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), and a constable.

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Allegedly, the incident had occurred on the night of December 24 during an altercation over Beedi (a typical cigar), resulting in the death of the worker identified as Jewel Rana. Following the incident, six accused were arrested in connection with the alleged crime.

According to reports published in the national media, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that her state police have registered a Zero FIR in the Sambalpur case to take legal action and investigate the alleged murder further. Authorities from both states are coordinating as the investigation continues.

“SP (Superintendent of Police, Sambalpur) constituted 5-6 multifresh probe teams and has arrested all the accused. The SP and his teams have done a splendid job. Arresting six accused within 12 hours is in fact a great achievement. Professionally, the matter is being investigated,” Northern Range Inspector General of Police (IGP), Himanshu Lal, said.

Besides, reacting to a recent post by Mamata Banerjee on social media (X handle), Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal expressed, “Allegations (made by the West Bengal CM) are baseless. Politics should not be done in such a tragic moment.”

“Rather, we should focus on what can be done to deliver justice (to the worker) and what ought to be done in this regard,” the Odisha BJP chief added.

Notably, Sambalpur Police have registered a case, and a detailed probe is underway.