The death of Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, has sparked widespread concern and debate after he succumbed to injuries sustained in a violent altercation in Dehradun. Chakma was critically injured on December 9 and died on December 26 after spending 17 days in hospital.
Police in Dehradun have said that their investigation so far has found no evidence of racial abuse or a racially motivated attack. According to officials, the incident occurred in the Selaqui area during a birthday gathering, where an argument between two groups escalated into a physical fight. Anjel Chakma and his brother Michael were injured in the clash, police said, adding that five people have been arrested in connection with the case.
Senior police officials stated that no complaint alleging racial abuse was made during interactions with investigators in the days following the incident, and the official complaint does not mention any racial slurs. They have maintained that the violence stemmed from tempers flaring over remarks that were perceived as offensive during the gathering.
The victim&rsquo;s family, however, has strongly contested this account. Anjel&rsquo;s father, a Border Security Force jawan currently posted in Manipur, has alleged that his son was brutally attacked while trying to defend his brother, who was allegedly subjected to racial slurs and called &ldquo;Chinese.&rdquo; The family has demanded the strictest punishment for all those involved.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed grief over Anjel Chakma&rsquo;s death and said that strict punishment must be ensured. He said he spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who condemned the incident and confirmed that arrests had been made. Both state governments have announced financial assistance for the bereaved family, with Tripura offering ₹5 lakh and Uttarakhand around ₹4 lakh.
Family members described Anjel as a bright and responsible student who had recently secured a job with a French multinational company through campus placement. According to relatives, he had planned to support his family financially and fund his younger brother&rsquo;s higher education.
The case has now reached the Supreme Court of India, where a public interest petition has been filed seeking judicial intervention. The plea argues that Anjel Chakma&rsquo;s death highlights a broader failure to prevent discrimination and violence against people from the northeastern states and calls for stronger safeguards to protect their fundamental rights.
As investigations continue and legal scrutiny intensifies, the case has reignited questions about student safety, alleged racial prejudice, and accountability. For Anjel Chakma&rsquo;s family, the demand remains clear: justice for a young life they say was lost too soon.

Police deny racial motive as family alleges abuse; case reaches Supreme Court

Tripura Student’s Death Sparks Probe, PIL Filed

Police deny racial motive as family alleges abuse; case reaches Supreme Court

December 31, 2025 | 01:28 IST