admin 
Dehradun, Uttarakhand:
A brutal racial attack in Dehradun has claimed the life of Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for strict action against hate crimes.
On December 9, Anjel stepped out with his younger brother Michael in Dehradun. During the outing, a group of six men, including two juveniles, allegedly confronted the brothers. The attackers reportedly hurled racist slurs such as “Chinese” and “momo”.
Despite clarifying that they were Indian citizens from Tripura, the abuse did not stop. Soon after, the brothers tried to leave the spot. However, the situation escalated rapidly.
Knife Attack After Racial Abuse
According to the police complaint, one of the accused struck Michael on the head. When Anjel intervened to protect his brother, another attacker stabbed him with a knife. Local residents rushed him to a hospital for emergency treatment.
Initially, doctors noticed signs of recovery. Over the next few days, his condition worsened. He remained on ventilator support before passing away on December 26, seventeen days after the attack.
Police Action and Arrests
Police have arrested five accused and sent them to judicial custody. Meanwhile, one suspect, Yagya Raj Awasthi, remains absconding. Authorities have announced a ₹25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
The family has raised concerns over the delay in police action. Although the complaint was filed on December 10, police registered the FIR on December 12. Arrests followed two days later.
A Bright Student with Big Dreams
Anjel Chakma was pursuing his MBA at Jigyasa University in Dehradun. Among his peers, he ranked as one of the top-performing students. He had also secured a placement with a French multinational company dealing in sporting goods.
Apart from academics, he actively played football and participated in campus activities. His family had taken an education loan to support his studies. At the time of the attack, he was preparing for his final semester exams.
Family in Shock, Protests in Tripura
Hailing from Unakoti district in Tripura, Anjel was described by his family as a bright and promising young man. His uncle said the family remains devastated by the loss.
In response to the incident, protests erupted in Agartala. Demonstrators demanded strict punishment for those responsible. Many called the attack a clear case of racial hatred.
Leaders Condemn the Killing
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha contacted Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami regarding the case. Dhami assured strict action and stated that such crimes would not be tolerated.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma also condemned the incident. He said racial violence against people from the Northeast is unacceptable. He stressed that racism must never be normalised.
A Wake-Up Call for Educational Hubs
University authorities described the incident as a wake-up call. They said institutions must strengthen sensitisation efforts on campuses. Policy-level intervention is also needed to address racial bias.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of students from the Northeast in educational hubs like Dehradun.
About The Author
