Two persons dead in ‘wage row’ clash in Malda

Sources say 'shalishi sabha' was convened at Bibigram village to resolve a dispute between contractor and some migrant workers

Representational image. File photo Soumya De Sarkar | Malda | Published 23.04.23, 04:47 AM

Two persons died and two others got injured in a clash that broke out between a labour contractor and some migrant workers in Malda on Friday night. Sources said that a "shalishi sabha" was convened at Bibigram village in Jaluabathal under Kaliachak police station on Friday to resolve a dispute between the contractor and some migrant workers. Advertisement

"The migrant workers had taken some money from the contractor while working at a construction site in Rajasthan. However, there was a dispute over the distribution of the wages there. As all of them returned to Kaliachak to celebrate Eid, it was decided that the shalishi sabha would resolve the dispute.

However, they had an altercation and both sides attacked each other with sharp weapons," said Farid Sheikh, a local resident. Reportedly, on Friday night, residents spotted injured four youths near the local mosque. Rushed to Malda Medical College and Hospital, doctors declared Sazim Sheikh, 21, dead.

Zamiul Sheikh, 25, succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Shahjahan Sheikh, 22, and Tariq Sheikh, 25, are reportedly critical.

"The contractor and his associates are yet to be identified," said a police source on Saturday, adding that investigations were on.