Nationwide Outrage After Death of Tripura Youth in Dehradun

AGARTALA/ DEHRADUN-  The death of 24-year-old MBA student Anjel Chakma — who succumbed to injuries sustained in an attack in Dehradun earlier this month — has sparked national outrage and prompted condemnation from political leaders across the country.

Chakma, a resident of West Tripura’s Nandannagar and a final-year MBA student in Dehradun, was attacked on December 9 after an altercation in the Selaqui area. According to his family and multiple reports, the confrontation began when he and his younger brother were subjected to racial slurs and derogatory remarks.

The incident escalated into violence, leaving Anjel critically injured. He remained hospitalised for 17 days before dying from his injuries on December 26. The nature of the attack and accompanying slurs have led student organisations and civil groups to describe the incident as a hate crime rooted in racial prejudice against people from the Northeastern region.

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Thousands of students and youth bodies have held candlelight marches and demonstrations, demanding justice and stronger protections against racially motivated violence.

Reacting to the incident, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed deep sorrow over Chakma’s death and extended condolences to the bereaved family. He said the matter was serious and assured that the Tripura government was in touch with Uttarakhand authorities, urging strict and time-bound action against those responsible. Saha also stressed the need to ensure the safety of students from the state studying outside Tripura.

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In New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, described the killing as a “horrific hate crime” and criticised what he called a climate of normalised hate in public discourse. Gandhi urged unity and underscored that India is a country built on diversity and respect, not fear and abuse.

Kapil Sibal, Independent Rajya Sabha MP, also condemned the attack and appealed directly to Home Minister Amit Shah to “speak up against hate crimes,” calling the murder a shocking display of bigotry and expressing concern over perceived inaction by government leaders.

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At the regional level, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the incident “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” urging the Uttarakhand government to ensure strict action against those responsible and expressing condolences to the Chakma family. Sarma’s social media statement emphasised the need for timely justice.

In response to the incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured strict action, and authorities have arrested several suspects in connection with the attack, while a special team has been dispatched to apprehend an absconding accused believed to have fled to Nepal. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has issued notices to state officials seeking a detailed report on the case.

The case has reignited demands for stronger legal safeguards against racially motivated violence and calls for social awareness to prevent discrimination against people from the Northeast and other frontier regions.