A 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, Anjel Chakma, died on December 26 after being brutally assaulted in a racially motivated attack in Dehradun earlier this month, triggering widespread outrage across the Northeast and renewed calls for accountability.
Chakma, a final-year student at Jigyasa University, was attacked on December 9 while he was out with his younger brother Michael, 21.
According to police and family members, a group of six men, including two juveniles, hurled racial slurs such as “Chinese” and “momo” at the brothers before assaulting them with a knife. Five of the accused have been arrested, while one remains absconding.
The attack reportedly followed a verbal altercation.
Kwthar Debbarma, secretary of the Uttarakhand Tripura Students’ Association, said the attackers continued mocking the brothers even after they clarified they were from Tripura and Indian citizens. When they attempted to leave, Michael was struck on the head, and Anjel was stabbed while trying to protect him.
Anjel underwent surgery and was initially stable, but his condition deteriorated and he died 17 days later while on ventilator support. The FIR was registered three days after the attack, a delay questioned by the family. Police said two teams are searching for the remaining accused, identified as Yagya Raj Awasthi.
A bright student, Anjel had secured a placement with a French multinational specialising in sporting goods. His family had taken an education loan to support his studies. “He was excited about his future,” said Jigyasa University Vice-Chancellor Dr Shankar Ramamoorthy, adding that Anjel was worried about missing exams during his hospital stay.
His uncle, Momen Chakma, said the family was devastated and demanded justice. His father, BSF head constable Tarun Prasad Chakma, alleged police inaction in the initial days.
The killing sparked protests in Tripura, with Chief Minister Manik Saha raising the matter with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who said strict action would be taken and announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for the absconding accused. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma also condemned the attack, calling it unacceptable and warning against normalising racism.
The university has promised steps to ensure a safer and more inclusive campus environment.