Anjel Chakma was a 24-year-old MBA student from the Unakoti district in Tripura, India. A bright young graduate, he had secured a job placement and was pursuing his MBA in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, at the time of the incident.
On December 9, 2025, what began as a routine errand with his younger brother in the Selaqui area of Dehradun turned into a tragic encounter. Anjel was brutally attacked during an altercation involving a group of local youths, later succumbing to his injuries on December 26, 2025, after spending 17 days in hospital.
What Happened on That Fatal Day?
According to police records and multiple reports:
- Anjel and his brother Michael Chakma were out in Selaqui when they encountered a group of six young men, some of whom were gathered near a liquor shop. A dispute quickly escalated. In statements given by Michael and recorded in the FIR, the group allegedly hurled derogatory and ethnic slurs—terms such as “Chinki”, “Chinese”, “Nepali”, and “momo”—at the Chakma brothers, mocking their Northeast Indian appearance.
- When Michael protested, he was struck on the head with a metal bracelet (kada), and Anjel stepped in to help.
- In minutes, Anjel was stabbed multiple times—in his neck, head, back, and abdomen—by the main accused. He collapsed at the scene and was rushed to a Dehradun hospital.
- Two juveniles and four adult suspects were arrested soon after; the main accused, Yagya Awasthi, is believed to have fled to Nepal, and a reward has been announced for information leading to his arrest.
FIR & Legal Actions
Initially, the police registered a case on December 12 based on Michael’s complaint. The FIR included charges under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, such as voluntarily causing hurt, dangerous weapons, and criminal intimidation.
As doctors highlighted the severity of Anjel’s injuries, additional charges — attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy — were added on December 14.
After Anjel’s death on December 26, the police upgraded the case to murder, including sections related to committing a crime with common intention.
So far, five suspects have been taken into custody—including two minors sent to juvenile homes—and efforts continue to track down the sixth, who is believed to be in Nepal.
Police Statements & Official Position
The Dehradun Police have issued repeated statements about the nature of the attack, including:
No Confirmed Racial Motive (Official Stance)
Senior police officials, including SSP Ajay Singh, have stated that:
- The ongoing probe has not found conclusive evidence of racial abuse leading to the attack.
- The incident is being investigated as a violent altercation sparked by a heated argument.
- The FIR, as filed, did not initially mention racial bias, and police are thoroughly examining all evidence, including CCTV footage and witness testimonies.
In press briefings, the police have described the assault as occurring “in the heat of the moment” and not motivated solely by race, a position that has drawn both support and sharp criticism.
Willingness to Explore All Angles
Despite the official position, authorities have said they remain open to revisiting the case if new evidence, including statements from family members alleging racial slurs, emerges. A special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to trace the main accused.
Accused & Developments
Here are details of the individuals involved:
- Main Accused (absconding): Yagya Awasthi — believed to be in Nepal; reward announced for information. Arrested Adults: Avinash Negi, Suraj Khwas, and Sumit Kumar are in judicial custody.
- Juveniles: Two minors aged 15 and 17 — sent to correctional homes.
Police have dispatched two teams to track the absconding suspect and are actively coordinating with authorities in Nepal.
Public Reaction & Protests
The case sparked national outrage, especially among northeastern communities in India:
Protest Movements
- Students from the Northeast residing in Dehradun vowed to continue their studies while demanding justice and accountability for the attack.
- In Tripura, public leaders and activists have condemned the incident, calling for strict punishment, improved safety for students from the region, and even discussions about national laws against racial violence.
Political Response
- Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha personally contacted Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, demanding justice and firmness in the investigation.
- Calls have been made for a CBI probe and even for institutional reforms to prevent such violence from recurring.
- Public figures and activists have highlighted the larger issue of discrimination faced by people from the Northeast, prompting national conversations about racial prejudice in Indian society.
Wider Debate: Racism or Violent Altercation?
The debate around this case is intense:
- Some view the attack as a racially motivated hate crime, citing the alleged slurs and the targeting of Anjel and Michael for their appearance and heritage.
- Others — backed by the police’s evolving statements — argue that current evidence does not conclusively prove racial motive and that the incident stemmed from a physical dispute.
This divide has made the case not just a criminal investigation but part of a broader national conversation on prejudice, inclusion, and the safety of minority communities in India.
The Family’s Stand & Ongoing Grief
The Chakma family continues to grieve. Anjel’s father, a BSF jawan, and family members have expressed their belief that the attack was driven by racist abuse, and they are demanding justice, accountability, and transparency from the authorities.
In appeals to the media, the family has asked for privacy to mourn while still urging a fair and thorough investigation.
Conclusion
The death of Anjel Chakma is a tragic chapter in 2025 India — one that has stirred public emotion, political debate, and scrutiny of how violence against students from minority regions is understood and handled. As the investigation continues, the nation watches closely for justice, while broader questions about prejudice, safety, and identity remain in focus.