Mangaluru: A migrant labourer from Jharkhand was allegedly assaulted by four persons within the Mangaluru commissionerate limits after they suspected him of being a Bangladeshi national and demanded that he prove his identity. The incident, which came to light later through local leaders, has prompted the police to register a serious criminal case, including charges of attempt to murder, against the accused.
The injured labourer has been identified as Diljan Ansari, who, according to the police, has been working in the city for the past 10 to 15 years. He reportedly travels to the city every year for employment and stays for four to six months at a time, earning his livelihood as a daily wage worker.
Accused demanded identity proof
According to Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH, the incident occurred when the four accused confronted Ansari and questioned his nationality. They allegedly suspected him of being a Bangladeshi national and began demanding that he produce various identity documents to establish his citizenship.
Despite Ansari repeatedly asserting that he was an Indian citizen and had been working in the city for several years, the accused allegedly continued to harass him. Police officials said the men made unnecessary and objectionable remarks during the confrontation, escalating the situation unnecessarily.
The commissioner stated that there was no legal basis for the accused to demand identity documents from the labourer, and such actions amount to vigilantism and harassment.
Assault using work implements
As the argument intensified, the accused allegedly turned violent. Police said that Ansari was assaulted using his own work implements, which he was carrying at the time. He was reportedly struck on the head during the attack, causing serious injuries.
The blow resulted in Ansari bleeding profusely. Witnesses in the area noticed the attack, and a local Hindu woman intervened, stepping in to rescue the injured labourer from further harm. Her timely intervention is believed to have prevented the situation from worsening further.
Ansari was left injured and shaken following the assault. However, fearing further trouble and considering his status as a migrant worker, he initially chose not to approach the police.
Victim initially avoided police
Police said that after the assault, Ansari returned to his place of stay without filing a formal complaint. Being a migrant labourer working away from his home state, he was reportedly apprehensive about engaging with law enforcement and facing possible retaliation or complications.
The commissioner noted that such reluctance among migrant workers to approach the police is not uncommon, especially when they fear harassment or loss of employment. As a result, the incident did not immediately come to the attention of the authorities.
It was only later, when local leaders learned about the assault and its circumstances, that the matter was brought to the notice of the police.
Police verify citizenship, register case
Once informed, the police took up the matter for investigation. Officials verified Ansari’s identity and confirmed that he is an Indian citizen from Jharkhand who had come to the city for work. His employment history in the city over the past decade further supported his claims.
Based on the findings of the preliminary investigation and the nature of the injuries sustained by the victim, the police registered a case under attempt to murder and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code against the accused.
Commissioner Reddy said the gravity of the assault, particularly the targeting of the head and the use of implements capable of causing serious harm, warranted stringent legal action.
Accused identified, arrests pending
Police confirmed that all four persons involved in the assault have been identified. Efforts are under way to arrest them at the earliest, and officials said they would be taken into custody soon.
Further investigation is ongoing to establish the sequence of events, determine whether there was any prior planning involved, and examine if similar incidents of harassment have occurred in the area. Police are also recording statements from witnesses, including the woman who intervened to rescue the victim.
Broader concern over migrant safety
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of migrant workers and the dangers of identity-based vigilantism. Police officials reiterated that no individual or group has the authority to question another person’s citizenship or demand identity documents without legal sanction.
Authorities warned that taking the law into one’s own hands, especially on the basis of suspicion or prejudice, will attract strict action. The police urged the public to report any suspicious activity through proper channels instead of resorting to violence.
Conclusion
While the victim is recovering from his injuries, the police have assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the assault. Officials emphasised that migrant workers contribute significantly to the local economy and are entitled to safety and dignity. The case, police said, should serve as a strong message against unlawful harassment and violence based on identity suspicions.