Rescue Operation in Paschim Medinipur: Odisha Residents Return Home Safely

Over 300 people from Odisha, detained by locals in West Bengal's Paschim Medinipur, were rescued and returned home safely. This incident followed alleged attacks on migrant laborers from West Bengal in Odisha, mistakenly identified as Bangladeshi nationals. Police interventions ensured their safe return.

In a significant rescue operation, over 300 people from Odisha, who were allegedly detained by locals in Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, were safely brought back to their home state by police on Wednesday.

The detention is believed to be a consequence of an alleged assault on migrant laborers from West Bengal in Odisha, where they were mistaken for Bangladeshi nationals. The group from Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts had traveled to Kharika village in Keshpur for treatment and faced an attack by a mob on their way back, leading to damage to their vehicles.

Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar confirmed the swift police intervention which facilitated the rescue. The buses carrying the distressed individuals reached Laxmannath Gate on the Odisha-Bengal border on Tuesday evening.

The situation was brought to light after some of the affected individuals contacted Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi, prompting a coordinated rescue effort by senior police officials from both states. The incident resonated with a similar event in Odisha earlier in August, amplifying the ongoing tensions and attacks on migrant workers mistaken for Bangladeshi nationals.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the issue, urging workers to return home and take advantage of local opportunities, highlighting the inter-state concerns over migrant laborer safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)