Migrant Worker Beaten to Death in Andhra Pradesh After Being Labeled “Bangladeshi”

A Bengali Muslim migrant worker, Manjur Alam Laskar, was allegedly beaten to death in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, sparking outrage across Bangladesh and India. The 32-year-old, originally from West Bengal, was falsely accused of being a "Bangladeshi" national, which led to repeated threats and, ultimately, his tragic death.

Manjur, who had been living and working in Komarolu for nearly a decade, was abducted in the days leading up to his death. According to his family, a ransom demand of 25,000 rupees was made following his abduction. His wife managed to send 6,000 rupees, but the family was later informed that he had been murdered on January 21, 2026.

The victim’s family believes the murder was pre-planned and politically motivated, possibly linked to communal hatred. Manjur’s brother, Giasuddin Laskar, a local leader of the All India Trinamool Congress, alleged that the attackers first branded Manjur as a “Bangladeshi,” then framed him in a theft case before killing him.
 

Manjur’s family is calling for an impartial investigation, urging the West Bengal government to immediately engage with Andhra Pradesh authorities to ensure justice. They also seek the arrest of those responsible for his death.
 

The incident comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in states governed by the BJP. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has condemned the attack, labeling it as part of a pattern of targeted violence against Bengali Muslims in BJP-led states, urging the central government to take immediate action.

TMC's Statement:

In a statement, the TMC accused the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi of neglecting the safety of migrant workers from West Bengal, asking, “How many more lives must be lost before the government takes action?”

This incident has highlighted the continuing challenges faced by migrant workers in India, particularly those from West Bengal, who are often subjected to discrimination and violence due to their regional identity.