In a heartbreaking incident on the outskirts of Bengaluru, four young warehouse security guards from Assam's Mising community were discovered deceased inside their small rented room in Sulibele, Hoskote taluk, on Friday evening. The victims, identified as Dactor Taid (18), his elder brother Dhananjay Taid (23), their cousin Narendranath Taid (30), and Jayant Chinte (23), were all from Assam and had moved to the city approximately four months ago in search of employment opportunities.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Police authorities suspect that the youths succumbed overnight to carbon monoxide poisoning, caused by toxic fumes emanating from a portable stove within their tightly sealed room. Fellow workers raised the alarm after the group failed to appear for their scheduled shift at a soft drinks storage facility, prompting them to break open a window to check on their well-being.
Police Investigation Findings
Initial investigations revealed charred rice remnants on the stove, indicating that the victims were likely cooking when the tragedy unfolded. A police officer stated, "It appears the young men became unconscious as smoke filled their room while preparing rice on the portable stove, with windows and doors closed. The rice must have burnt out overnight, leading to this unfortunate incident."
Families and Community Response
The devastating news has sent shockwaves through the victims' hometowns in Assam. Dactor, Narendra, and Dhananjay hailed from Namoni Borkhamukh village in Dhakuakhana subdivision of Lakhimpur district, while Jayanta's family resides in Shalmora, Naoboicha. Along with a fifth individual, Ajay Payeng of Majuli, who survived because he was on daytime duty, the group had relocated to Bengaluru for work and were employed as guards at a Coca-Cola warehouse.
Seniram Taid, sibling to Dhananjay and Dactor, expressed deep suspicion about the circumstances, telling reporters on Saturday, "We received a call around midnight about what happened. We suspect foul play and believe a thorough investigation is absolutely necessary." Meanwhile, villagers have gathered at the homes of the deceased, demanding an immediate inquiry and appealing for the bodies to be airlifted back to Assam without delay.
Political and Administrative Reactions
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken note of the tragedy, announcing that the state government will coordinate with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to facilitate the swift repatriation of the bodies. CM Sarma confirmed, "I have instructed Assam Police to establish contact with Bengaluru Police and inquire about the ongoing investigation." He made these remarks during a press interaction in Naoboicha, Lakhimpur, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Broader Context of Migrant Workers from Assam
This incident highlights the precarious lives of migrant workers from Assam, who often travel far from home in pursuit of livelihood. According to Assam government data:
- Approximately 84% of the 8 lakh young people from the state working outside Assam are distributed across southern states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry.
- Another 11% find employment in western and northern regions, including Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
Most of these migrant youths are employed in sectors such as:
- Information Technology (IT)
- Construction
- Private Security
- Retail
- Hospitality
Cumulatively, these workers remit nearly Rs 230 crore annually to Assam, playing a crucial role in the state's economy. However, their living conditions and safety often remain overlooked, as tragically evidenced by this incident in Bengaluru.
The deaths of these four young men serve as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers, urging authorities to enhance safety measures and support systems for those who leave their homes in search of better opportunities.
