Labourer from Bengal found dead in Gujarat

Darjeeling: On the heels of the murder of a labourer from Bengal in Rajasthan, another labourer from the state has allegedly met the same fate in Gujarat on December 22.

22-year-old Madhu Sarkar, a resident of North Point, Alipurduar, was allegedly found murdered in Gujarat. The incident took place in Taranpur under Ankleshwar police station in Gujarat's Bharuch district. Four years ago, Sarkar had left his home in search of a job in Gujarat. He used to work in a timber mill there. On December 24, a lady known to the deceased's mother had called her up from Gujarat stating that her son's dead body, battered and bruised had been recovered from in front of his quarters. He had joined this timber mill owned by one Deepak Patel two months ago.

"On December 22 night, my brother had called up my mother. After that, there was no call from him. His cell phone was also switched off. On 24, we received a call from one Swapna Oraon stating that my brother is dead. We feel that he has been murdered," stated Sumitra Sarkar, Madhu's sister.

Oraon is a family friend and currently resides in Gujarat. Patel had called her up and informed about Madhu's death. Incidentally, the deceased was the only earning member of the family comprising his mother, sister Sumitra and brother Manik. Sumitra is scheduled to get married in February 2018.

Five years ago, Madhu's father passed away. Every month, he used to send money from Gujarat with which the family used to run the daily chores.

Madhu's family alleged that he had been murdered and that Patel is trying to cover up the incident. Family members have alleged that Patel told them that if Madhu's last rites are performed in Gujarat then the family will receive Rs 70,000. If the body is taken to his state, then they would not receive any ex-gratia. Sources state that two locals have been arrested by the Gujarat police in connection with the incident. MLA Sourav Chakraborty met the family of the deceased and assured them of all help. He stated that he has apprised CM Mamata Banerjee about the incident and further assured them that the administration will extend all cooperation to bring back the body to Alipurduar at the earliest. "The BJP-run states are becoming deathbeds of workers from Bengal. This needs to stop immediately," retorted the TMC MLA. On December 7, Afrajul Khan, a migrant worker from Malda, was hacked to death and set on fire in Rajasthan.