Dehradun/Agartala, 26 Dec 2025: Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, succumbed to his injuries on Friday after battling for life for 17 days in the Intensive Care Unit following a brutal attack in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns over racism and the safety of people from India’s Northeast in other parts of the country.
Anjel was pursuing his MBA at Jigyasa University. His father serves as a constable in the Border Security Force. According to police and family sources, on December 9, Anjel had gone to buy vegetables with his brother, Michael Chakma, when a group of men allegedly hurled racial slurs at him. When Anjel objected, the group reportedly assaulted them stabbing Anjel and knocking his brother unconscious.
Anjel was rushed to hospital and remained in critical condition for over two weeks. Despite intensive medical care, he could not recover from his injuries and passed away early Friday, leaving his family, friends, and the wider community in mourning.
Police have so far arrested five accused in connection with the case. The arrested individuals have been identified as Avinash Negi, Shaurya Rajput, Suraj Khawas, Ayush Badoni, and Sumit. Investigators stated that all the accused allegedly belong to influential families. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have assured that all legal procedures will be followed to ensure justice.
The killing has sparked sharp reactions across Tripura and the Northeast, with many terming it a hate crime and demanding swift conviction of those responsible. Condolences and calls for justice have poured in from political leaders and civil society.
Tripura royal scion Pradyot Manikya wrote on social media:
“While the whole world was celebrating Christmas, we lost Anjel Chakma in the early hours. My deepest condolences to all the friends and family members. We have lost Anjel Chakma, but his murderers are yet to be convicted we demand justice for the departed soul.”
The tragic death of Anjel Chakma has once again raised a troubling question: how long will racism persist in a country that constitutionally guarantees equality to all its citizens? Northeasterners are Indians, and every Indian has the fundamental right to live with dignity and peace anywhere in the country.
