Kolkata, 15 July (H.S.) -Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has accused the Chhattisgarh Police of illegally detaining nine Bengali-speaking construction workers from her Lok Sabha constituency, Krishnanagar. She alleged that the workers were picked up without following due legal process and were sent to jail without a detention order, hearing, or access to legal aid.

In a video posted on social media late Monday night, Moitra stated that the workers had gone to Chhattisgarh’s Kondagaon district to work on the construction of a school. However, on Saturday, local police allegedly detained them from their accommodation, despite the fact that they were carrying valid documentation. Moitra further claimed that the workers’ mobile phones were confiscated, leaving their families unable to contact them.

“Even after three days, their whereabouts remain unknown,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “This is nothing short of a state-sponsored kidnapping. Nine individuals have been thrown in jail under Section 128 of the BNSS without a detention order, no hearing, and no access to lawyers.”

According to Moitra, the local Superintendent of Police informed her that the workers have been accused of sexually assaulting tribal women. However, she questioned the manner in which the detentions were carried out and emphasized the need to adhere to due process, regardless of the charges.

The incident has sparked fresh concerns over the alleged targeting of Bengali-speaking individuals in various parts of the country. Moitra pointed to similar instances in states like Odisha and Delhi, claiming that Bengalis are being harassed under the pretext of being “illegal Bangladeshis.” She also said that in some areas, Bengalis are being denied access to basic utilities like electricity and water.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also raised concerns in recent days over what she describes as growing discrimination against Bengali-speaking citizens. She had earlier expressed outrage on social media and announced a state-wide protest march against the alleged atrocities.

The Kondagaon incident comes at a politically sensitive time, as allegations of ethnic profiling and mistreatment continue to spark debate and protest in West Bengal and beyond.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh