Kolkata, 21 February (H.S.) : A 39-year-old migrant worker from West Bengal’s Purulia district has died under mysterious circumstances in Bengaluru, days after speaking to his family about returning home. The incident marks the second such case involving a Purulia worker in recent weeks.

The deceased, identified as Prasanna Kumar, was a resident of Chekya village under the Jhalda II block in Purulia. He had travelled to Bengaluru in February last year in search of better earnings and was employed as a driver at a private firm in the Sampigehalli police station area, reportedly under a contractor.

Family members allege that Kumar had repeatedly expressed his desire to return home but was unable to do so. They claim he was prevented from leaving by the contracting agency and had been brought back on multiple occasions after attempting to reach the railway station.

According to the family, Kumar last spoke to his wife on Thursday night and assured her that he would return soon. However, they were unable to reach him the following morning. Later, they were informed that he had died in his sleep on Friday. The exact cause of death remains unclear.

Relatives have alleged foul play, claiming there were injury marks on his head, nose and fingers. They have demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. As of Saturday afternoon, the post-mortem examination had not been completed, sources said.

Kumar is survived by his wife and two sons, one of whom recently appeared for secondary examinations while the other studies in Class IX. The family has also alleged irregularities in payment of wages, claiming that the promised monthly salary was not fully disbursed.

Amid growing concern, Abhishek Banerjee, Member of Parliament and National General Secretary of the All India Trinamool Congress, has intervened to assist the bereaved family. Party sources said Banerjee initiated steps to expedite the process of bringing Kumar’s body back to West Bengal. He has also assured the family of legal assistance and all necessary support.

Local leaders stated that after initial difficulties in coordination with authorities in Karnataka, Banerjee’s office facilitated communication to ensure procedural formalities were addressed.

The incident comes shortly after another migrant worker from Purulia was killed in Maharashtra, intensifying concerns over the safety and welfare of workers employed outside the state. With Kumar’s death, demands for accountability and stronger safeguards for migrant labourers have once again come to the fore.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh