A migrant worker from Assam was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in Tamil Nadu’s Thiruvallur district, triggering fresh concerns over the safety of workers from the state employed in different parts of the country.
The deceased has been identified as Prasenjit Das, 35, a resident of Dudhnoi in Assam’s Goalpara district. He had recently travelled to Chennai in search of employment and was staying with six other workers from Assam in a rented accommodation.
According to police, the incident occurred on Friday evening when Das reportedly went out to explore the locality. Preliminary investigations suggest that he allegedly approached a local woman’s residence while under the influence of alcohol and sought drinking water. Authorities claim that after the woman closed the door, Das allegedly damaged the windows of the house with a knife.
The woman subsequently alerted her relatives, following which a group of local residents and family members gathered at the spot and allegedly assaulted him. Das later succumbed to his injuries.
Family members said Prasenjit had left Assam on Monday and reached Chennai on Wednesday in search of work. They recalled receiving a distress call from him shortly before the incident.
According to his relatives, Das called them in panic and pleaded for help, claiming that a group of people was chasing him. Soon after the call, his phone became unreachable.
The family has appealed to the authorities to help bring his mortal remains back to Assam for his last rites and has demanded strict action against those responsible for the assault.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.
The death of Prasenjit Das is the latest in a series of incidents involving migrant workers from Assam who have died while working outside the state. The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns over the safety and welfare of migrant labourers seeking livelihoods far from home.
In October 2025, the Assam Government launched the Shraddhanjali Scheme to facilitate the dignified transportation of the mortal remains of Assamese citizens who die outside the state.