Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has taken decisive action following a horrific assault on a young migrant labourer from the state in Chennai. The Chief Minister has promised stringent punishment for the attackers and assured full support for the victim's recovery, highlighting his government's commitment to the safety of Odias working outside Odisha.
Government's Swift Response and Assurance
In a strong statement issued on Tuesday, CM Majhi expressed deep concern over the shocking incident. The Odisha government has taken the matter very seriously and is in constant touch with the Tamil Nadu administration, as confirmed by the Chief Minister's Office in a post on social media platform X. The state government has assured that all necessary steps are being taken at the administrative level to ensure the victim receives excellent medical treatment and assistance, while also working to secure severe punishment for those responsible.
"The safety and self-respect of all Odias are paramount to us," asserted Chief Minister Majhi. He further emphasized, "Our government is determined to ensure the safety of every Odia brother and sister working outside the state." Demonstrating the urgency of the situation, the Odisha government has deputed a special officer to Tamil Nadu to investigate the matter on the ground. This officer will conduct a thorough inquiry and submit a detailed report to the state government.
Odisha's Labour Minister, Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, added that the Tamil Nadu government has been strongly urged to take strict action against the culprits. This coordinated effort underscores the inter-state diplomatic push to address crimes against migrant workers.
Details of the Brutal Train Attack
The violent episode unfolded on the evening of December 27 aboard a Chennai–Tiruttani suburban EMU train. The victim, identified as 20-year-old K Suraj from Odisha, works as a daily-wage labourer in Tamil Nadu. According to police reports, the attack was carried out by four individuals, all 17-year-old school dropouts.
The suspects boarded the train at Thiruvalangadu station, carrying sickles concealed inside their bags. The assault was reportedly triggered by a brief exchange in Hindi. Allegedly under the influence of alcohol, the teenagers launched a brutal attack on Suraj inside the train compartment.
In a disturbing display, one of the assailants filmed the entire assault. The video was later posted on Instagram, where the group could be seen posing with weapons and flashing victory signs near railway quarters close to Tiruttani station.
Aftermath, Arrests, and Ongoing Concerns
Suraj sustained deep cuts and severe bleeding from the attack. In a critical condition, he managed to stumble out of the train and reach a nearby road, where alert passers-by informed the railway police. He was initially rushed to Tiruttani Government Hospital and was later shifted to Thiruvallur Government Medical College and Hospital for advanced care. Doctors have reported that his condition is now stable after receiving emergency treatment.
The police acted with commendable speed, using the viral video to track down the suspects. All four teenagers were detained near the Gangai Amman Temple on the Tiruttani–Arakkonam bypass on the same night. They have been produced before the Juvenile Justice Board in Tiruvallur.
This incident has once again brought the vulnerability of inter-state migrant workers into sharp focus. It highlights the pressing need for robust mechanisms to ensure their safety and dignity, prompting strong political and administrative intervention from their home state government.
