A construction worker from Murshidabad district, West Bengal, was killed in Sambalpur, Odisha, on Wednesday evening (December 24, 2025). Miscreants attacked him and two others while demanding their Aadhaar cards. The worker, 20-year-old Jual Rana, died of head injuries. The contractor, Haque Saheb, said, “The miscreants called workers Bangladeshis, sought Aadhaar proof to prove their nationality and launched sudden attack from behind when they were about to show their Aadhar card.” The workers had stepped out for tea around 7 pm when four to five persons appeared and demanded the Aadhaar cards. When the workers tried to comply, they were beaten with sticks. Mr. Saheb said his workers had worked peacefully in Sambalpur for 13 years with no violence before. Himansu Lal, Inspector General of Police (northern), said, “In the murder case registered in Ainthapali police station of Sambalpur, all accused are apprehended. Further scientific investigations are going on as per Law. Murder is related to sudden provocation. It is not regarding targeting anyone.” The condition of the two injured workers admitted to the hospital is stable. Additional Superintendent of Police Srimant Barik explained, “The workers had friendship with certain group of locals in Sambalpur. They used to have food together. Under influence of alcohol, locals asked for Bidi. There was quarrel between them. One person was attacked out of sudden provocation. The head injury caused due to attack led to death of one person.” In August, police in neighboring Jharsuguda district had detained 444 people suspected of illegal immigration. Most were later found to be workers from West Bengal.