Two Bengali migrant workers were found dead in separate incidents in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala within the past 24 hours, sparking a wave of concern across the country about the safety of migrant labourers. The first case involved 32‑year‑old Manjur Alam Laskar, who had been working in Andhra Pradesh for nearly a decade before returning home and then going back to the state. The second case concerns 29‑year‑old Alamgir Alam, who disappeared after leaving his family in Malda and was later discovered dead beside a railway track near a Chennai station.
Background / Context
Migrant workers from West Bengal have long been a vital part of the labour market in southern states such as Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They fill roles in construction, agriculture, hospitality and domestic service, often earning wages that are higher than those available in their home districts. However, the industry has also been plagued by exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and, increasingly, threats of violence.
In recent months, the Indian government has highlighted the need for better protection of migrant workers, citing a rise in incidents of harassment and abuse. The Ministry of Labour and Employment has urged states to enforce stricter safety protocols and to provide emergency support for workers who face threats or discrimination.
Against this backdrop, the deaths of Manjur and Alam have drawn attention to the vulnerabilities that many migrant workers face, especially when they are perceived as outsiders or are targeted for their ethnicity or religion.
Key Developments
Manjur Alam Laskar – Andhra Pradesh
- Age: 32; Origin: Bishnupur village, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal.
- Worked in Andhra Pradesh for almost ten years before returning home a month ago.
- Returned to Andhra Pradesh about 20 days after his return.
- On Tuesday, his family received a phone call demanding Rs 25,000, with a threat that he would be killed if the money was not paid.
- The family transferred Rs 6,000; the caller then informed them that Alam was dead.
- Alam’s elder brother, Giyasuddin Laskar, vice‑president of the local panchayat, alleges that he was targeted because he was a Bengali‑speaking Muslim, suspected of being Bangladeshi.
- Family demands a thorough investigation; circumstances remain unclear.
Alamgir Alam – Kerala (Chennai)
- Age: 29; Origin: Masaldaha, Harishchandrapur police station, Malda.
- Left for Chennai a month ago, leaving behind wife and two children.
- Found a new job in Hyderabad eight days ago and was travelling there.
- Last spoke to his wife on 14 January before boarding a train.
- Body discovered beside a railway track near a station in Chennai on Wednesday.
- Family suspects foul play and that the body was dumped near the track.
Both incidents have been reported to local police authorities. In Andhra Pradesh, the Usthi police station has opened a case file, while in Kerala, the Chennai police have taken over the investigation. The families have called for transparent inquiries and for authorities to ensure that such tragedies do not recur.
Impact Analysis
The deaths of Manjur and Alam underscore several critical issues that affect migrant workers across India:
- Vulnerability to Threats: The phone call demanding ransom in Manjur’s case illustrates how migrant workers can become targets of extortion, especially when they are perceived as outsiders.
- Legal and Social Marginalisation: Accusations of being Bangladeshi or belonging to a minority community can expose workers to discrimination and violence.
- Inadequate Safety Nets: Many migrant workers lack access to reliable emergency support, insurance, or legal recourse when faced with threats.
- Information Gaps: Families often receive little or no information about the whereabouts or safety of their relatives working far from home.
For students and young professionals who may consider migration for work, these incidents highlight the importance of understanding the risks and preparing accordingly. The lack of robust safety mechanisms can have dire consequences, as seen in these tragic cases.
Expert Insights / Tips
Dr. Rina Patel, a labour rights specialist at the National Institute of Labour Studies, advises:
“Migrant workers should always register with local authorities and keep a record of their employment contracts. In case of emergencies, having a local contact or a trusted intermediary can be lifesaving.”
Key recommendations for migrant workers and their families include:
- Maintain a written contract that specifies wages, working hours, and safety provisions.
- Register with the nearest police station or local labour office upon arrival.
- Keep emergency contact numbers, including local police, embassy (if abroad), and family members.
- Use reputable recruitment agencies that are licensed by the Ministry of Labour.
- Seek community support groups or NGOs that provide legal aid and counselling.
- For families, establish a communication plan that includes regular check‑ins and a designated emergency contact.
Legal experts caution against taking matters into one’s own hands. Instead, they recommend filing a formal complaint with the police and seeking assistance from labour unions or NGOs that specialize in migrant worker rights.
Looking Ahead
The government has announced a new initiative to create a “Migrant Worker Safety Portal” that will allow workers to report incidents, access legal resources, and receive real‑time updates on safety alerts. The portal is expected to launch in the next six months.
State governments are also reviewing their labour laws to include stricter penalties for harassment and violence against migrant workers. In Andhra Pradesh, the state assembly has tabled a bill that would mandate employers to provide safety training and emergency contact details for all foreign‑origin workers.
Meanwhile, NGOs are calling for a nationwide database that tracks migrant workers’ employment status and safety records. Such a system could help authorities intervene early when workers are at risk.
For students and young professionals, these developments signal a growing awareness of migrant worker safety. However, the on‑ground reality remains challenging, and proactive measures are essential to prevent future tragedies.
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