Tripura student death: FIR reveals Anjel Chakma 'stabbed in stomach, head'; NHRC takes cognisance

The National Human Rights Commission has directed the Dehradun authorities to investigate the allegations and has sought an action taken report within seven days.

Days after Anjel Chakma, a student from Tripura, died after being attacked in Uttarakhand's Dehradun in an incident involving caste and racially-motivated abuse, the FIR has revealed that he was stabbed in the stomach and head.

His father said that Anjel was "brutally attacked" with knives and blunt objects when he tried to defend his brother who faced racial slurs and was called "Chinese" by the attackers.

He also alleged that police initially refused to register a report about the incident involving his sons in the Selakui area and only filed an FIR two to three days later after pressure from the All India Chakma Students Union and senior officers.

What does the FIR say?

According to the FIR registered on December 12 at 12.10 pm under sections 115(2), 118, and 351(3) of the BNS Act, the incident took place on December 9 between 6 pm and 7 pm in Selaqui.

The complainant, Michael Chakma, stated that he and his brother Anjel were out shopping when a group of individuals under the influence of alcohol verbally abused them using caste-based slurs. When the brothers objected, they were attacked with knives and metal knuckles, according to a report by News18.

While Anjel was stabbed in the stomach and head, suffering critical injuries, Michael was hit on the head with a metal object. The FIR also mentioned that the accused threatened to kill the brothers if they reported the matter to the police.

Anjel was admitted to Graphic Era Hospital, where he remained in critical condition for 17 days and passed away on December 26.

According to Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh, preliminary medical reports indicate that Anjel’s death was caused by fatal spinal and head injuries. The post-mortem report is awaited, News18 reported.

NHRC takes cognizance

The NHRC has sent a notice to the Dehradun district magistrate and the SSP over the allegedly racially charged killing of a student from Tripura in the Uttarakhand capital.

The National Human Rights Commission has directed the Dehradun authorities to investigate the allegations and has sought an action taken report within seven days, ANI reported.

The commission has also asked for a copy of the case proceedings to be sent to the Uttarakhand chief secretary and the director general of police.

Action so far

Based on the instructions of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state has provided financial assistance of Rs 4.12 lakh to the Chakma family under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.

Speaking about the incident, Dhami said, “This is not just the death of a student, but the untimely end of a family’s dreams and hopes."

He also spoke to Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, assuring full assistance to the victim’s family.

Amid investigation, five individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack, including three adults, Suraj Khwas (22), Avinash Negi (25), and Sumit (25), all residents of Manipur living in Dehradun, and two minors, who have been sent to a juvenile reform home.

A sixth accused, Yagyaraj Awasthi from Kanchanpur district, Nepal, is absconding, with a reward of Rs 25,000 announced for his capture.

What is the case?

Angel Chakma, an MBA student at a private university, died on Friday after fighting for his life for 17 days in the hospital.

Police said the 24-year-old youth had allegedly received blows to his head and back with a sharp object and a 'kadaa' (bracelet) following a quarrel with 5-6 people at a canteen on December 9.

The family has alleged that the attack was preceded by racial abuse, with the assailants allegedly hurling slurs at the brothers and calling them “Chinese”. Anjel objected to the remarks, telling them that they were Indians, following which the violence escalated.