Migrant labourer from Birbhum files FIR, alleges ears were severed
The Statesman | 15 August 2025
A migrant labourer from Nalhati in Birbhum has alleged that both his ears were severed by the private contractor he was working for in Mumbai, after he expressed a wish to return home. He has lodged an FIR at the local police station.
The incident has caused a huge stir in Birbhum district, where a large number of people work as migrant labourers in far-off states.
Rahul Singh, the victim, had gone to Mumbai about five to six months ago. When he requested Rs 20,000 from his salary to visit his home in Birbhum, he was allegedly beaten by the contractor’s goons, who also severed his ears. After receiving treatment in a local hospital there, he recently returned home.
Nalhati police station, under Birbhum Police, confirmed that they had received his written complaint. Officers stated that Rahul Singh, a resident of Rajapukur in Ward No. 5 of Nalhati Municipality, had lodged the FIR, and that an investigation was under way.
The victim’s mother alleged that his Aadhaar card, voter ID card, and mobile phone had all been taken away, and that he had escaped with his life but is now in poor health.