A routine visit to a grocery store turned fatal in Uttarakhand&rsquo;s Dehradun after a 24-year-old student from Tripura, Anjel Chakma, died following a racist attack in the Selaqui area. The incident occurred on December 9, when Anjel and his younger brother Michael were allegedly targeted with racial slurs by a group of men.
According to reports, the attackers stopped the brothers during a market visit and verbally abused them, allegedly referring to them as &ldquo;Chinese.&rdquo; When Anjel objected and asserted their Indian identity, the confrontation escalated into violence. The group is accused of attacking the brothers with knives.
Anjel sustained critical injuries to his neck and spine and was rushed to the hospital, where he remained under treatment for over two weeks. He succumbed to his injuries on Friday. His brother Michael also suffered serious injuries but survived the attack.
Following Anjel&rsquo;s death, his body was flown to Agartala on Saturday, where the incident triggered anger and protests. A police complaint had been filed earlier on December 12 based on Michael&rsquo;s statement.
Police have so far arrested five of the six accused, including two juveniles. The prime accused, identified as Yagya Awasthi, is believed to have fled to Nepal. Law enforcement agencies have formed special teams to trace him and announced a reward of ₹25,000 for information leading to his arrest.
The killing has sparked protests by student groups across the northeastern states, with demands for a national law to address racial hate crimes.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami regarding the case. He was informed that arrests have been made and assured that the investigation is ongoing and justice will be served.

24-year-old stabbed after confronting racial abuse; main accused on the run

Tripura Student Dies After Racist Attack

24-year-old stabbed after confronting racial abuse; main accused on the run

December 28, 2025 | 13:44 IST