Workers from Bengal detained in Chhattisgarh, Mahua Moitra targets state govt, police
Eight migrant workers from West Bengal’s Nadia district were recently detained in Chhattisgarh’s Kondagaon district. The workers had valid identification, yet the local police detained them under suspicion. This act triggered strong criticism from Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra, who accused the police of illegal detention.
How the Incident Unfolded
The workers were engaged in a construction project and had been living in Bastar for nearly a month. On July 12, Kondagaon police took them into custody under Section 128 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This section replaces Section 109 of the Criminal Procedure Code and permits police to detain people suspected of intending to commit an offence.
According to reports, the workers’ mobile phones were switched off during detention. Families in Bengal had no idea of their whereabouts. This situation caused panic and concern among their relatives.
Mahua Moitra’s Sharp Criticism
Mahua Moitra reacted strongly. She called the detention a clear case of harassment. Moitra stated that the workers held valid Aadhaar and voter ID cards. Therefore, she questioned why Indian citizens were treated like criminals in another state.
She tweeted, “This is not law and order. It’s a violation of the Constitution. These are Indian citizens with full rights to work across India.”
She also filed a habeas corpus petition in the Chhattisgarh High Court. Additionally, she warned of legal action against the state authorities if such actions continued.
Police Justify Their Action
Kondagaon Superintendent of Police Akshay Kumar responded to the allegations. He said that the workers were not arrested but detained briefly for identity verification. According to him, they had no local documents and couldn’t explain their presence satisfactorily.
After receiving clearance from senior officers, the police released the workers. The SP claimed that the process followed local security protocols and wasn’t targeted harassment.
Not an Isolated Case
This isn’t the only instance involving Bengali workers. Over the past six weeks, Bengal police verified more than 750 workers detained in various states. These include Maharashtra, Odisha, Delhi, and Rajasthan.
In Odisha’s Jharsuguda district, authorities detained over 400 Bengali migrants. Police there claimed these people failed to produce proper documentation. Moitra accused state governments of targeting Bengali workers unfairly. She called it a coordinated attack on poor, working-class citizens from Bengal.
Bengal Government’s Response
The West Bengal government stepped in quickly. Officials created a special task force to verify workers’ details when they are detained in other states. This team works directly with the families and ensures early legal support.
TMC leaders also called for a national policy to protect migrant workers. They demanded that all states accept Aadhaar and voter ID as proof of identity without additional requirements.
Legal and Ethical Questions Arise
Legal experts criticized the use of Section 128 of BNSS. They argued that the clause offers too much unchecked power to law enforcement. Detaining workers without any court order or warrant sets a dangerous precedent, they warned.
Human rights activist Meera Joshi said, “This practice harms vulnerable groups. Migrant workers already live on the edge. Detaining them without due process adds to their hardship.”
Moreover, activists demanded reforms in how police departments handle migrant populations. They called for better training and central guidelines.
The Political Angle
This situation has turned into a political flashpoint. TMC accused the police and state governments of xenophobia. Meanwhile, officials in other states claimed they were just following rules to prevent illegal activities.
As the 2024 general election nears, migration and labor rights could become a major topic in national debates. Mahua Moitra’s aggressive stand shows that TMC may use this issue to highlight poor treatment of Bengali workers.
What Lies Ahead?
The Chhattisgarh High Court is currently reviewing the habeas corpus petition. Legal experts believe the outcome could affect future migrant worker policies across India.
In the meantime, the Bengal government has promised to monitor the situation closely. State authorities are urging other governments to respect the right of citizens to work anywhere in India.
Conclusion
The detention of Bengal workers in Chhattisgarh exposes deep flaws in how migrant labor is handled in India. It highlights the urgent need for legal clarity, proper verification processes, and respectful treatment of all workers. While Mahua Moitra’s intervention brought attention to the issue, long-term solutions must come through better coordination between states and strict respect for constitutional rights.
