Bengal migrants' detention illegal: TMC; Odisha refutes

The TMC Wednesday alleged that the BJP government in Odisha has illegally detained Bengali-speaking migrant workers on the pretext of identifying unauthorised immigrants, despite the labourers possessing 'valid documents'.

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The ruling party of West Bengal demanded their immediate release and warned of a larger political movement if such 'targeted harassment' continues.

A senior Odisha Police officer, however, said the detained people lack valid documents to establish their residency or citizenship. He also said that the police are not targeting any community or region and are only ensuring the security of the country. TMC MPs Samirul Islam, who also serves as chairman of the Migrant Workers' Welfare Board, and Mahua Moitra condemned the 'illegal detention'.

In a post on X, Moitra said, "23 workers from Nadia are being held in illegal detention in Jharsuguda. I urge @SecyChief @DGPOdisha to release them immediately."

Claiming that such incidents never happened during the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD's 24-year rule in Odisha, she said, "Do not think there is no one to fight for these workers.'