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13 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
4 min
Social IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Bengal CM Condemns Pune Migrant Worker Death as 'Hate Crime'

Mamata Banerjee alleges xenophobia led to the death of a Bengali worker in Pune.

Bengal CM Condemns Pune Migrant Worker Death as 'Hate Crime'

Photo by Julian Yu

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has condemned the death of a migrant worker from West Bengal in Pune, Maharashtra, as a "hate crime." Sukhen Mahato, from Purulia district, was found dead in Pune. Banerjee stated that the incident was a direct consequence of xenophobia and demanded immediate arrests. Dhiren Mahato, the father of the deceased, claimed his son was targeted for speaking Bengali.

TMC's Abhishek Banerjee will visit the family. Police in Pune reported the worker was in a fight while drunk.

Key Facts

1.

Sukhen Mahato, 24, from Purulia district, was found dead in Pune.

2.

Mamata Banerjee condemned the death as a 'hate crime'.

3.

Dhiren Mahato, the father, claimed his son was targeted for speaking Bengali.

4.

TMC's Abhishek Banerjee will visit the family.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Social Justice - Vulnerable Sections of the population

2.

GS Paper I: Social Issues - Migration

3.

Connects to syllabus topics on poverty, inequality, and social exclusion

4.

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on policies for migrant workers

Visual Insights

Location of Incident and Origin of Migrant Worker

This map highlights Pune, Maharashtra, where the incident occurred, and Purulia, West Bengal, the origin of the migrant worker. It shows the inter-state migration aspect of the news.

Loading interactive map...

📍Maharashtra📍West Bengal
More Information

Background

The issue of migrant workers and their vulnerability is deeply rooted in socio-economic disparities. Historically, internal migration in India has been driven by factors such as poverty, lack of employment opportunities, and regional imbalances in development. These factors often lead to the marginalization and exploitation of migrant workers. The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 was enacted to protect the rights and regulate the employment of inter-state migrant workers. However, its implementation has been challenging. Over time, various government initiatives and policies have attempted to address the challenges faced by migrant workers. The MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), for example, aims to provide employment opportunities in rural areas to reduce distress migration. However, gaps remain in ensuring social security, access to healthcare, and fair wages for migrant workers in urban areas. The lack of portability of social security benefits across states further exacerbates their vulnerability. The Unorganized Workers' Social Security Act, 2008 also attempts to provide a framework for social security to unorganized workers, including migrant laborers. The Constitution of India guarantees certain fundamental rights that are applicable to all citizens, including migrant workers. Article 14 ensures equality before the law, while Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. These rights are often violated in the case of migrant workers due to discrimination and lack of enforcement. The recent incidents highlight the need for stronger legal and institutional mechanisms to protect the rights and dignity of migrant workers.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increased focus on the plight of migrant workers, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of migrant workers, including their lack of access to healthcare, social security, and adequate housing. The government has launched initiatives such as the One Nation One Ration Card scheme to improve the portability of food security benefits for migrant workers. This scheme allows beneficiaries to access subsidized food grains from any fair price shop across the country. However, challenges remain in ensuring the effective implementation of these initiatives and addressing the systemic issues that contribute to the vulnerability of migrant workers. There are ongoing debates about the need for a comprehensive national policy on migration that addresses issues such as registration, social security, and protection against discrimination. Institutions like NITI Aayog have also emphasized the need for better data collection and analysis to inform policy decisions related to migration. Looking ahead, it is expected that the issue of migrant workers will continue to be a priority for both the central and state governments. There is a growing recognition of the need for a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of migration, protects the rights of migrant workers, and promotes their integration into urban areas. The focus is shifting towards ensuring that migrant workers have access to decent work, social security, and opportunities for upward mobility. The e-Shram portal is a step in this direction, aiming to create a national database of unorganized workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What key facts should I remember for Prelims regarding this incident?

For the Prelims exam, remember that Sukhen Mahato, a 24-year-old migrant worker from Purulia, West Bengal, died in Pune. Mamata Banerjee has called it a 'hate crime' and claimed it was due to xenophobia. Also, remember the father's name, Dhiren Mahato, who alleged his son was targeted for speaking Bengali.

Exam Tip

Focus on the location of the incident (Pune), the victim's origin (Purulia, West Bengal), and the key allegation of xenophobia.

2. What is xenophobia, and why is it important to understand in this context?

Xenophobia is the fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners. Understanding it is crucial because the Chief Minister has alleged that xenophobia was the primary motive behind the death of the migrant worker. This highlights the vulnerability of migrant populations and raises concerns about discrimination and hate crimes.

Exam Tip

Relate xenophobia to Article 19(1)(d) & Article 19(1)(e) (freedom of movement and residence) and Article 21 (right to life) for Mains answers.

3. What are the potential implications of this incident on inter-state relations?

This incident could strain relations between West Bengal and Maharashtra, especially if the West Bengal government perceives a lack of adequate investigation or justice. It can also fuel regional tensions and create an environment of distrust, impacting the movement and safety of migrant workers between states.

Exam Tip

In the interview, discuss the importance of maintaining cordial inter-state relations for cooperative federalism.

4. Why is this incident in the news recently?

This incident is in the news because a Chief Minister has publicly condemned the death of a migrant worker in another state, alleging it to be a hate crime fueled by xenophobia. This has brought the issue of migrant worker safety and inter-state relations into the spotlight.

Exam Tip

Follow news updates on the investigation and any statements from involved state governments.

5. What existing legal frameworks are in place to protect migrant workers in India?

The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979, aims to protect migrant workers from exploitation by regulating their employment conditions. Also, fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution, such as Article 19 (freedom of movement) and Article 21 (right to life), apply to all citizens, including migrant workers.

Exam Tip

Note the year of enactment of the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act (1979) for Prelims.

6. What reforms are needed to ensure the safety and dignity of migrant workers in India, considering incidents like this?

Reforms should focus on better enforcement of existing laws, creating a national database of migrant workers for social security benefits, and promoting awareness campaigns to combat xenophobia and discrimination. Addressing socio-economic disparities that drive migration is also crucial.

Exam Tip

In the interview, suggest practical solutions like skill development programs and affordable housing for migrant workers.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979: 1. The Act aims to regulate the employment and conditions of service of inter-state migrant workmen. 2. It provides for the registration of establishments that employ inter-state migrant workmen. 3. The Act is applicable only to establishments employing five or more inter-state migrant workmen. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 indeed aims to regulate the employment and conditions of service of inter-state migrant workmen. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Act provides for the registration of establishments that employ inter-state migrant workmen to ensure better regulation and monitoring. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Act is applicable to establishments employing five or more inter-state migrant workmen, making the statement incorrect. It applies if five or more such workmen are employed on any day.

2. Which of the following fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution are most relevant to the protection of migrant workers? 1. Article 14: Equality before the law 2. Article 19: Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc. 3. Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Article 14 guarantees equality before the law, ensuring that migrant workers are not discriminated against. Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which is crucial for protecting migrant workers from exploitation and ensuring their safety. Article 19, while important, is less directly relevant to the immediate protection needs of migrant workers compared to Articles 14 and 21.

3. Assertion (A): Incidents of violence against migrant workers are often rooted in xenophobia and discrimination. Reason (R): Migrant workers often face social and economic exclusion in their host states. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?

  • A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
  • C.A is true but R is false
  • D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer

Answer: A

Assertion (A) is true because xenophobia and discrimination are significant drivers of violence against migrant workers. Reason (R) is also true as migrant workers often face social and economic exclusion, which fuels resentment and discrimination. Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A) because the social and economic exclusion faced by migrant workers contributes to the xenophobia and discrimination that lead to violence.

Source Articles

Mamata Banerjee calls migrant worker’s death in Pune an outcome of ‘hate crime’ - The Hindu

The Hindu·13 Feb 2026

Violence erupts in Bengal’s Murshidabad over murder of migrant worker in Jharkhand - The Hindu

The Hindu·13 Feb 2026

Migrant worker from Bengal dies after being attacked by locals in Odisha - The Hindu

The Hindu·13 Feb 2026

Trinamool links migrant worker’s death to SIR; Opposition accuses party of stoking panic - The Hindu

The Hindu·13 Feb 2026

Zero FIR lodged by West Bengal police in the killing of migrant worker in Odisha: Mamata - The Hindu

The Hindu·13 Feb 2026

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