Bengal alleges Odisha detained nearly 100 of its migrants as Bangladeshis
Tensions between West Bengal and Odisha have intensified after Odisha police detained nearly 100 Bengali-speaking workers. Bengal claims these workers are Indian citizens, not Bangladeshi immigrants as alleged. This incident has ignited a serious interstate conflict and drawn attention to the treatment of internal migrants in India.
According to Bengal officials, the workers had migrated from districts such as North 24 Parganas and Cooch Behar. They were working in Odisha’s coastal belt in industries like fisheries and construction. However, Odisha authorities suspected them to be undocumented foreigners and detained them during routine checks.
Bengal Government Reacts Strongly
In response, the West Bengal government demanded an explanation. It sent a formal letter to the Odisha Chief Secretary and urged immediate action. Additionally, the Bengal Home Department called the detentions a violation of fundamental rights.
“These individuals are Indian citizens from our state. Mislabeling them without proper verification is unacceptable,” said a senior Bengal official. Furthermore, Bengal has requested the Union Home Ministry to intervene and ensure a fair investigation.
Odisha Defends the Detentions
On the other side, Odisha defended its actions. Authorities explained that the workers lacked identification documents and gave unclear answers about their origin.
“We followed standard security protocols based on intelligence inputs. The verification process is underway. No one has been deported,” stated an Odisha police officer.
Odisha also cited increased infiltration risks in coastal areas. As a result, security agencies have intensified surveillance and document checks.
Families in Bengal Plead for Help
Meanwhile, back in Bengal, the families of the detained workers are growing increasingly anxious. Many have approached local officials and submitted Aadhaar and voter ID cards as proof of their relatives’ citizenship.
“My son has been working in Odisha for over six months. He called us regularly. Now we hear he’s been arrested for being Bangladeshi. He was born and raised here,” said a mother from Basirhat, North 24 Parganas.
In many villages, local panchayats are also trying to compile and send documentation to help secure the release of these workers.
Experts Warn of Dangerous Precedents
Legal and social experts have expressed concern over the issue. According to them, misidentifying citizens based on language or lack of documents threatens constitutional rights.
“Internal migration is protected by law. If states begin profiling workers based on language or appearance, it will damage the fabric of federalism,” said Dr. Anirban Ghosh, a political analyst from Kolkata.
He also emphasized the need for cooperation between states. Otherwise, migrants may face harassment and exploitation across India.
Political Reactions Escalate
As expected, the matter has taken a political turn. The Trinamool Congress (TMC), ruling in Bengal, accused the BJP-led Odisha government of discrimination and negligence.
“Our workers are being targeted because they are poor and Bengali. This is deeply shameful,” said TMC MP Mahua Moitra.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders in Odisha defended the police action. However, some Bengal BJP leaders urged for speedy verification and the release of genuine Indian citizens.
Clearly, the issue has sparked an interstate political battle ahead of crucial elections in both states.
Centre Expected to Step In
Given the gravity of the situation, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs may intervene soon. Sources suggest that the Centre is reviewing reports from both state governments and may send a fact-finding team.
Legal experts have pointed out that Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution guarantee freedom of movement and protection of life and liberty. Therefore, any wrongful detention due to mistaken identity could invite legal consequences.
Conclusion
The detention of nearly 100 Bengal migrants in Odisha has created a serious constitutional and humanitarian crisis. While Odisha cites national security concerns, Bengal insists that the detainees are innocent citizens seeking work.
As the Centre prepares to step in, both states must handle the issue with care. The rights of migrant workers must be protected. Verification must be fair and transparent. Above all, politics must not overshadow justice.
The families of the detained workers are waiting. For them, this is not just a policy issue—it is a matter of survival, dignity, and truth.
