300+ Odisha Residents Return Home After Detention in West Bengal

Over 300 individuals from Odisha, allegedly detained by locals in West Bengal's Paschim Medinipur, returned home safely on Wednesday after police intervention, officials reported. The incident is believed to stem from an alleged assault on migrant labourers from West Bengal in Odisha, who were mistakenly identified as Bangladeshi nationals.

The group, hailing from Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts, had visited Kharika village in Keshpur for treatment by a local healer. On their return journey, they claimed to have been attacked by a mob that also damaged their vehicles. Additional Director General of Police Law and Order Sanjay Kumar stated that all individuals were rescued due to police efforts and safely reached Odisha.

Police Intervention Ensures Safe Return

Sanjay Kumar confirmed that the buses carrying the group dropped them off at Laxmannath Gate on the Odisha-Bengal border on Tuesday evening. The situation came to light after some affected people contacted Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi, who then informed Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Senior police officials from both states quickly coordinated efforts to rescue the detained people. Inspector-in-Charge of Remuna police station, Sanju Hasina Kulu, mentioned that 27 people from Remuna block were among those detained and have safely reached Laxmannath Gate.

Previous Incidents and Rising Tensions

This incident follows a similar event on August 10 in Odisha, where youths detained 34 people at a construction site in Sambalpur district, suspecting them of being Bangladeshi nationals amid the ongoing crisis in the neighbouring country. These tensions have also led to migrant workers returning to Bengal after facing attacks in Odisha's Jagatsinghpur district.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had called Majhi on August 11, expressing concern over the alleged mistreatment of migrant labourers from Bengal. She had also urged the workers to return to take advantage of opportunities available in the state.

The swift action by police ensured the safe return of over 300 people from Odisha who were allegedly detained by locals in West Bengal's Paschim Medinipur. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between migrant workers and locals amid mistaken identities and regional conflicts.