Dehradun Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the killing of Tripura student Anjel Chakma. So far, police say they have not found any proof that the attack was racially motivated.
According to the police, the fight started when Anjel objected to some “banter” made by a group of people who had come to a liquor shop. The argument soon turned violent, and Anjel was assaulted.
Tripura CM Manik Saha Reacts to Anjel Chakma’s Death
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed deep sorrow over Anjel’s death. Speaking to ANI, he said he had spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami soon after the incident.
“It is very sad the way Tripura’s Angel was killed in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun. As soon as I got the information, I spoke to Uttarakhand CM Dhami, who condemned the incident. He informed that five people have been arrested in the case. I told him that the five arrested must be given strict punishment under the law. Tripura and Uttarakhand governments have given ex-gratia amounts of ₹5 lakhs and around 4 lakhs, respectively, to the family of the deceased,” Saha said.
What Did Uttarakhand Police Say About the Alleged Racial Attack?
Dehradun Police said their investigation so far has not found any proof that the attack was racially motivated.
Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh said the fight happened after tempers rose when Anjel objected to some “banter” at the gathering.
The SSP also said that between December 9 and December 26, there were no formal complaints about racial abuse, and the FIR does not mention any racial angle.
How Did the Fight Between Two Groups Turn Deadly?
According to police, the argument grew into a physical fight. Anjel Chakma and his brother Michael were both injured during the clash.
Anjel was taken to hospital in a critical condition. Despite treatment for more than two weeks, he died on December 26.
Anjel Chakma’s Family Alleges Racial Slurs and Brutal Assault
Anjel’s father, who is a BSF jawan currently posted in Manipur, has given a different version. He said Anjel was beaten while trying to protect his brother, who was allegedly abused with racial slurs and called “Chinese”.
The family has strongly rejected the police claim that the attack was not racist.
Who Are the Accused and What Action Has Police Taken?
Five people have been arrested in the case so far. Police said investigations are still ongoing to establish all the facts.
The family has demanded strict punishment, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty for those responsible.
What Were Anjel Chakma’s Dreams and Career Plans?
Anjel was a bright student and had recently secured a job with a French multinational company through campus placement.
His family said he had asked his father to take voluntary retirement so he could support the family after years of hard work.
His maternal uncle, Momen Chakma, told NDTV, “He knew the struggles his family faced and wanted to do something for them. Now everything is shattered and the whole family is seeking justice.”
Supreme Court PIL Filed Over Racial Violence Against Northeast Citizens
After Anjel’s death, a public interest litigation was filed in the Supreme Court on December 28.
The petition seeks action against what it calls a continuing failure to protect people from the northeastern states and other frontier regions from racial discrimination and violence. It also demands enforcement of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(a) and (g), and 21 of the Constitution.
Who was Anjel Chakma?
Anjel Chakma was a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura. He was critically injured in an alleged racist fight at a canteen in Dehradun on December 9. After fighting for his life for 17 days in hospital, he died on December 26.
His death has caused shock and anger across Tripura and the Northeast, with his family and many organisations demanding justice.
When and Where Did the Dehradun Canteen Incident Take Place?
The incident took place in the Selaqui area of Dehradun on December 9. According to police, a birthday party was being held by one of the accused, Suraj Khwas, who is from Manipur.
Two groups were present at the gathering. One included Anjel Chakma and his brother Michael Chakma. The other group had six people. What started as casual “banter” soon turned into an argument, and then a violent fight.
Police said some comments made during the gathering were found offensive by Anjel’s group, which led to a physical clash
Also Read: Who Was Anjel Chakma? MBA Student From Tripura Killed in Dehradun Over Alleged ‘Racism’ | Explained
