Five arrested after Tripura MBA student dies in racist attack in Dehradun: 'We are Indians'

Anjel Chakma sustained severe injuries to his neck and spine and was rushed to hospital in critical condition (Image: Facebook/Pradyot Bikram Manikya DebBarma)

• Tripura student Anjel Chakma died after a racist stabbing attack in Dehradun.
• Five accused arrested; one suspect remains absconding with a reward announced.
• Protests erupt, demanding stronger laws against racial hate crimes in India.

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A 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, Anjel Chakma, has died after sustaining critical injuries in a stabbing incident allegedly triggered by a racist attack in Dehradun. Chakma passed away at a hospital on Friday after fighting for his life for over two weeks, intensifying outrage and grief across Tripura and other northeastern states.

The incident dates back to December 9, when Anjel and his younger brother Michael were visiting a local market in the Selaqui area under the Premnagar police station limits. According to accounts from friends and witnesses, the two were intercepted by a group of local youths who allegedly subjected them to racial abuse, repeatedly calling them “Chinese”.

Friends recalled that Anjel tried to defuse the situation calmly. “We are not Chinese. We are Indians. What certificate should we show to prove that?” he reportedly said while responding to the slurs. However, the confrontation soon turned violent. The attackers allegedly assaulted both brothers with knives and blunt objects, continuing the verbal abuse during the attack.

Anjel sustained severe injuries to his neck and spine and was rushed to hospital in critical condition. Michael Chakma was also badly injured and continues to remain in serious condition. A close friend who stayed with Anjel throughout his hospitalisation described him as gentle and non-confrontational. “He was calm and friendly. None of us can believe this happened,” the friend said.

Anjel’s mortal remains were flown to Agartala on Saturday for his last rites. His death has triggered protests by student groups across northeastern states, who are demanding stronger safeguards and a national law to address racial hate crimes. Student organisations in Dehradun have also begun voicing concerns, calling for safety, dignity and equal treatment for students from all parts of the country.

Police officials said an FIR was registered on December 12 following a complaint by Michael Chakma. Superintendent of Police (City) Pramod Kumar said the altercation escalated quickly. “A fight broke out between them, during which it is reported that they were attacked with knives and other blunt objects. As a result, they were seriously injured,” he told news agency ANI.

Initially, the case was filed against unknown persons. Police reviewed CCTV footage and questioned people in the area, which led to several suspects being identified. “Four or five names then came to light,” Kumar said.

Five accused have so far been taken into custody. “A total of five people have been arrested in this case. Three — Avinash Negi, Suraj Khawas, and Sumit — were sent to jail. Two of them were juveniles and were sent to the correctional home,” the SP added. Following Anjel Chakma’s death, police have added murder charges to the case.

One accused, identified as Yagya Awasthi, remains absconding. Police believe he has fled to Nepal. “We have issued a non-bailable warrant for his arrest, and a reward of Rs 25,000 has been announced. We will arrest him soon,” Kumar said.

Political leaders from Tripura have expressed anguish over the incident. BJP Tripura state General Secretary Bipin Debbarma called the death “deeply saddening for all the people of Tripura,” adding that the state leadership was in touch with Uttarakhand authorities to ensure justice.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said he had spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami about the case. In a post on X, Saha said, “Spoke with Hon'ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand… regarding the tragic incident involving our student Angel Chakma… who was brutally assaulted… and later he expires at Graphic Era Hospital.” He added that he had been assured the matter was being pursued seriously.

Tipra Motha Party chairman Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma also extended support to Anjel’s family and helped with medical and funeral arrangements. “These attacks divide us. We want justice,” he said, condemning the targeting of people from the northeast through racial abuse.