Tripura student Anjel Chakma death: Dehradun SSP rules out 'racial angle', investigation underway

A new development has emerged in the murder case of Anjel Chakma, a Tripura student pursuing an MBA in Dehradun, as police have dismissed claims that the killing was motivated by a racial slur. 

Several student organisations and political leaders, however, have labelled the crime a "hate crime" and "racially charged murder."

Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh, leading the investigation, clarified that the dispute was unrelated to racial remarks. “Our investigation shows that both the victim and the accused are from Northeast India. Hence, the question of a racial slur does not arise,” Singh said. He added that, according to the accused, the incident resulted from a “misunderstanding” when Angel and his brother Michael misinterpreted comments made within the group.

Police have arrested three accused: Avinash Negi (25) of Sahaspur, Dehradun; Suraj Khawas (18) from Manipur, residing in Patel Nagar, Dehradun; and Sumit (25) of Tilwari, Dehradun. Two minors implicated in the case have been sent to a juvenile facility. One accused, Yagya Raj Awasthi (22) from Kanchanpur, Nepal, remains at large. A Rs 25,000 reward has been announced for his capture, with police teams deployed in Haridwar and Nepal.

Also Read: Rijiju calls for strong protection of Northeast people after Tripura student’s killing in Dehradun

The assault occurred on December 9, leaving Angel seriously injured. He succumbed to his injuries 17 days later, on December 26, while receiving treatment at Graphic Era Hospital.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami condemned the incident, stating that such crimes would not be tolerated and promising strict action. On December 29, he spoke with Angel’s father, assuring a fair and transparent investigation. The Chief Minister’s Office also announced immediate financial assistance of Rs 4,12,500 for Tarun Prasad Chakma under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.

Angel’s maternal uncle, Momin Chakma, shared that Angel had recently secured a job placement with Decathlon and was preparing to work in Kolkata or Assam. “After completing his studies, Angel wanted to support his entire family. His primary wish was to ensure VRS (voluntary retirement) for his father, who serves in the BSF,” he said.

Earlier today, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described the killing as a “horrific hate crime” and criticised the state BJP government over the incident.