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A shocking incident in Kolkata has stirred debate on social media and in public spaces after a group of students were allegedly assaulted by local traders who accused them of being “illegal Bangladeshi immigrants” simply because they were speaking in Bengali. The event highlights growing concerns around identity, ignorance, and the dangers of misplaced suspicion.

According to initial information, the students — all from rural parts of West Bengal and studying in a Kolkata college — were conversing in Bengali near a busy market area. Some traders grew suspicious, claiming the speech pattern or accent sounded “different,” and jumped to the conclusion that they must be Bangladeshis. Without verifying their identities, they confronted the group.

This quickly escalated into a physical assault, leaving some of the students with injuries. Bystanders reported the matter, and police eventually intervened, dispersing the crowd and taking a few traders in for questioning. The students are safe, though deeply shaken by the experience.

The incident has triggered widespread discussions, both in the city and online. Many people expressed shock that this could happen in Kolkata, the cultural heart of Bengal, where Bengali is the main language spoken by millions.

Some observers remarked that such suspicion reflects a lack of awareness. “Bengali is not unique to Bangladesh alone; it’s one of India’s major languages, spoken by millions across West Bengal, Tripura, and even parts of Assam and Jharkhand,” a professor of sociology pointed out. Others added that incidents like this show how unchecked rumors, combined with fear of “outsiders,” can lead to unnecessary violence.

On the other hand, some traders’ groups argued that anxiety over illegal immigration from across the border has made people hyper-vigilant, though they admitted such actions should never translate into violence against innocent people.

At its core, the incident is a reminder of how quickly stereotypes can turn dangerous. In India, identity is complex: languages cross borders, cultures overlap, and even accents differ from district to district. Experts say that failing to recognize this diversity can create unnecessary divisions among communities who actually share a common heritage.

For young students, such experiences can also cause lasting trauma. Being attacked for speaking one’s own mother tongue in one’s own state raises questions about tolerance and education within society.

Local residents who witnessed the chaos said it was more about “misplaced anger than malice.” One shopkeeper who was nearby admitted, “We should have asked calmly instead of acting on guesswork. Everyone speaks differently in Bengal — from Malda to Midnapore accents change. That doesn’t make them foreigners.”

Students and youth groups have since called for awareness campaigns to prevent such incidents. “Instead of suspicion, we need empathy. People must learn to ask, not accuse,” said a student union leader.

The police have assured action against the attackers, and community leaders have appealed for calm. Civil society groups suggest workshops in local markets and neighborhoods to counter misinformation. Many point out that education about cultural diversity could stop such issues from repeating.

This disturbing episode in Kolkata shows that even in a city known for its art, literature, and intellectual history, divisions can arise if differences are not handled with care. The bigger lesson perhaps is that identity should bring people together, not push them apart.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies