Tripura Student Angel Chakma Dies After Dehradun Attack, Police Deny Racial Motive

Student Succumbs to Injuries After Dehradun Incident

Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student hailing from Tripura, passed away on December 26 in Dehradun, 17 days after sustaining critical injuries in an alleged assault. The incident, which occurred on December 9, has ignited widespread outrage and prompted renewed discussions about the safety of students from India's Northeast region in other parts of the country.

Chakma, who was pursuing his Master of Business Administration at a private university in Dehradun, was reportedly attacked near a liquor shop in the Selaqui area. According to his brother, Michael Chakma, they were subjected to racial slurs such as 'Chinese,' 'chinky,' and 'momos' by a group of individuals. When Angel objected to these remarks, the verbal altercation allegedly escalated into a violent physical assault.

Details of the Assault and Investigation

The attack on December 9 involved Angel Chakma being allegedly stabbed with a sharp object and struck with a 'kadaa' (metal bracelet). He sustained severe injuries to his abdomen, head, back, and spinal cord. Following the assault, Angel was rushed to a private hospital, where he remained in critical condition for over two weeks before succumbing to his injuries on December 26.

Police have registered a case and subsequently added murder charges to the First Information Report (FIR) following Chakma's death. So far, five individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. These include Suraj Khwas (22), Avinash Negi (25), and Sumit (25), along with two minors who have been sent to a correctional home. Authorities are currently searching for a sixth accused, identified as Yagyaraj Awasthi from Nepal, who is believed to have fled across the border.

Conflicting Claims on Racial Motivation

While Angel Chakma's family and many reports have highlighted the alleged racial motivation behind the attack, Dehradun police officials have presented a different perspective. Dehradun SSP Ajay Singh and investigator PD Bhatt have stated that their investigation has, so far, found no evidence to substantiate claims of a racially motivated attack. According to police, the incident may have stemmed from an argument that escalated near a liquor shop. Bhatt further noted that one of the arrested accused is from Manipur, and suggested that alleged derogatory comments were made 'in jest' among the group, not necessarily directed as racial slurs.

Widespread Outrage and Calls for Justice

The death of Angel Chakma has triggered significant outrage across India, particularly among student communities and political leaders. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and the Meghalaya Chief Minister have condemned the attack, emphasizing that people from the Northeast are equal citizens of India. Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma also expressed deep grief, and student bodies have called for a transparent and time-bound investigation, demanding strict punishment for all involved. Angel Chakma's father, a Border Security Force (BSF) constable, has also urged the government to ensure that students from the Northeast do not face discrimination.