A migrant worker from Kerala faced assault by a group of locals in Sambalpur’s Dhobapada area under Khetrajpur police station on Sunday.
The 20-year-old welding mechanic had traveled from Bargarh district to Sambalpur in search of employment.
Residents reportedly grew suspicious when the worker failed to respond to their questions due to the language barrier. The group surrounded him and attacked, leaving him injured. A video of the incident quickly spread across social media, drawing widespread attention.
Police rushed to the spot after receiving information. Officers rescued the worker, provided medical treatment, and launched an investigation. Berhampur Superintendent of Police confirmed that a scientific team collected digital and forensic evidence from the scene.
Investigators verified the worker’s identity and confirmed his employment as a welding mechanic in Bargarh. Authorities arranged for his safe return to Kerala by train.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by migrant workers in regions where language differences create misunderstandings. Police noted that similar cases have occurred, including a recent mob assault in Ganjam district, where a girl was attacked on suspicion of kidnapping because she could not communicate in the local language.
