Bengal Worker Murdered in Pune; Mamata Banerjee Calls It a ‘Hate Crime,’ Police Probe Points to Dispute

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has condemned the murder of a migrant worker from Bengal in Pune, Maharashtra, alleging it was a “hate crime” for speaking in Bengali. She demanded the immediate arrest of the perpetrators, expressing solidarity with the victim’s family.The Pune Rural police identified the victim as Sukhen Dhiren Mahato, a 24-year-old from Tumrasole village in Purulia District, West Bengal.

He was found dead on February 10 behind Hotel Aapla Ghar in Koregaon Bhima, Shirur taluka.Mamata Banerjee tweeted, “I am shaken, enraged, and sickened beyond words by the barbaric murder of Sukhen Mahato, the sole earning member of his family. This is nothing short of a hate crime which a young man hunted, tortured, and killed for his language, identity, and roots.

It reflects a climate where xenophobia is weaponized. I demand immediate arrests and exemplary punishment. Bengal stands with Sukhen’s family in this hour of unimaginable grief.”However, Pune Rural police officials have indicated that their preliminary investigation suggests the murder stemmed from a personal dispute.

“We suspect Sukhen was beaten during an altercation with locals, leading to fatal injuries,” said Ramesh Chopde, Additional Superintendent of Police, Pune Rural. A murder case has been registered, two suspects identified, and a search is ongoing.Sukhen’s body was taken for a postmortem that confirmed death due to severe head injuries.

The First Information Report (FIR) was filed by Sukhen’s brother, Tulsiram Dhiren Mahato, under Section 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Shikrapur Police Station.Investigating officer Sub-Inspector Mahesh Dongare stated that Sukhen had lived in Koregaon Bhima with his brothers and worked at JAL Precision Products Limited.

The murder occurred during the night of February 9-10. While suspects have been identified, confirmation of hate crime motives remains under investigation.Police are reviewing CCTV footage around the crime scene to gather clues. Sukhen’s body was handed over to his family after the postmortem, and his brothers have returned to their village for the last rites.