Odia Labourer Attacked, Throat Slit in Sambalpur's Naktideul

An Odia labourer, Tuna Mahar (28), was allegedly attacked and his throat slit with a sharp knife by migrant workers from West Bengal in Naktideul area of Sambalpur district on Sunday. The incident followed a minor scuffle between Tuna and the workers on Saturday night, which escalated into a violent confrontation the next day. According to Sambalpur Additional SP Ajay Kumar Mishra, the accused had come to Redhakhol labour colony a few months earlier in search of work and were employed at various construction sites in the area. Tuna Mahar, a resident of Marwadimunda village under Sarapali panchayat in Naktideul, had also arrived in the locality around the same time seeking employment and was working alongside the group of migrant labourers.

Mishra stated that the argument began over an unspecified issue on Saturday night but intensified on Sunday, culminating in the alleged attack where Tuna’s throat was slit with a sharp knife. After the assault, the accused fled the scene. Locals who found Tuna lying in a pool of blood immediately rushed him to Naktideul Hospital for emergency care. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to Redhakhol Sub-Divisional Hospital for further treatment. However, as his condition continued to deteriorate, medical authorities referred him to Burla, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code following the incident. After a detailed probe, eight individuals were arrested in connection with the crime. The accused have been identified as Azizul Sheikh (38), Murtaza Sheikh (62), Minarul Mustafa Sheikh (35), Izabul Sheikh (34), Piarul Sheikh (29), Azmat Sheikh (24), Irsafil Sheikh (42), and Ravi Sheikh (34). All eight are natives of West Bengal and had been residing and working in the Redhakhol labour colony.

The arrests were made based on witness statements, forensic evidence, and circumstantial details gathered during the investigation. Authorities have confirmed that the case is being treated with utmost seriousness given the gravity of the offence. The accused remain in police custody as legal proceedings continue.

Local residents expressed shock and concern over the outbreak of violence, calling for greater oversight of migrant labour settlements and improved conflict resolution mechanisms. Community leaders have urged peace and cooperation between local and migrant workers, emphasizing that such incidents should not be allowed to undermine social harmony in the region.

As of now, Tuna Mahar remains under medical supervision in Burla, with doctors monitoring his recovery. The police have assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure justice is served. The case has been forwarded to the judicial magistrate for further action.

Who were arrested? Eight migrant workers from West Bengal — Azizul Sheikh, Murtaza Sheikh, Minarul Mustafa Sheikh, Izabul Sheikh, Piarul Sheikh, Azmat Sheikh, Irsafil Sheikh, and Ravi Sheikh — were arrested for their alleged involvement in the attack on Tuna Mahar.

Why were they arrested? They were arrested based on evidence linking them to the violent assault, including eyewitness accounts and the nature of the injuries sustained by the victim, which indicated a coordinated attack following a prior dispute.

What happens next? The accused will face trial under the relevant criminal provisions. The victim continues to receive medical treatment, and authorities are monitoring the situation to prevent further tensions in the area.

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