Dehradun Racial Slur Attack Leaves Tripura Student Dead
Agartala/Dehradun, Dec 26: A bright academic journey ended in tragedy on Friday with the death of Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old student from Tripura, who succumbed to critical injuries after battling for life for nearly two weeks.
Anjel, who was pursuing his studies at Jigyasa University in Uttarakhand, was grievously injured in an alleged racially motivated assault earlier this month.
Incident in Dehradun’s Selaqui Area
The fatal incident reportedly occurred on the evening of December 9 in the Selaqui locality of Dehradun. As per local accounts and a written complaint lodged by his brother Michael Chakma, the two brothers – Michael and Anjel – had gone out to buy essential items when they were stopped by a group of youths, allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
What began as an argument soon spiralled into violence. Michael, who studies at Uttaranchal University, alleged that the attackers hurled racial slurs and made derogatory comments about their appearance.
When the brothers objected to the verbal abuse, the situation escalated into a brutal physical assault.
Nature of Injuries
During the attack, Michael Chakma was allegedly struck on the head with a kada, a metal wrist ornament. Anjel, however, bore the brunt of the violence and sustained multiple stab injuries, including deep wounds to his neck and abdomen.
He was immediately shifted to Graphic Era Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Despite sustained medical treatment and repeated interventions, Anjel could not recover and was declared dead around 4 am on Friday.
Police Arrests and Ongoing Probe
Uttarakhand Police have taken swift action in the case. Based on the complaint, five accused have been arrested and placed in judicial custody. The arrested individuals have been identified as Avinash Negi, Shaurya Rajput, Suraj Khawas, Ayush Badoni and Sumit.
Police officials confirmed that the investigation is still underway and that all angles, including allegations of racial prejudice, are being thoroughly examined.
Anger Prevails in Tripura
Anjel Chakma’s death has triggered widespread sorrow and anger across Tripura. Several student bodies and political leaders condemned the incident and demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible.
Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman expressed his grief and outrage through social media, calling for immediate justice.
“While the world was celebrating Christmas, we lost Anjel Chakma in the early hours. Justice must be delivered, and the guilty must be convicted at the earliest,” he said, urging authorities to fast-track the legal process.
When in your own native land, people label you Chinese and shout slogans asking you to go back to China, sentiments get hurt, and questions need to be raised. In support of my Karbi people and their children who have had to put up with such absurdities. #OneNortheast
— Pradyot_Tripura (@PradyotManikya) December 26, 2025
Renewed Safety Concerns for Northeast Students
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the safety and security of students from Northeast India studying in other parts of the country. Many have renewed calls for stronger protective measures, stricter law enforcement and sensitisation programmes to prevent racial discrimination.
Assurance from Police
The Dehradun Police have assured Anjel’s family and the student community that a strong and comprehensive chargesheet is being prepared. Officials indicated that the case may be recommended for trial in a fast-track court to ensure speedy justice.
Meanwhile, police deployment has been intensified in student-populated areas of Selaqui to maintain peace and safeguard students, particularly those from the Northeast, from any further incidents.