Tripura MBA Student Dies After Racial Attack In Dehradun; ‘We Are Not Chinese’ Was Victim’s Final Defense

In a disturbing incident that has ignited widespread outrage across Tripura and India’s northeastern states, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura has died following a racially motivated assault in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Angel Chakma succumbed to his injuries on Friday (December 26) after battling for his life for over two weeks. Police have arrested five individuals connected to the attack, while Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has pledged that justice will be served.

Angel Chakma was stabbed and critically wounded after he and his younger brother, Michael Chakma, were targeted by a group of assailants in a racially charged confrontation. The attack occurred in a local market in Dehradun’s Selaqui area, under the jurisdiction of Premnagar police station. According to friends and witnesses, the attackers directed racial slurs at the brothers, repeatedly labeling them “Chinese.”

The Times of India reported that Michael told police his brother responded calmly but assertively to the abuse, stating, “We are not Chinese… We are Indians. What certificate should we show to prove that?”

Details of the incident

Describing the events, Superintendent of Police Pramod Kumar told ANI, “Two students from Tripura, Angel Chakma and his brother, Michael Chakma, lived near Nanda Chowki in the Premnagar police station area. This incident happened on the evening of the 9th, when they had gone to Selaqui for some work.”

Kumar explained that the brothers became involved in an argument with locals and another youth from the Northeast. The group subsequently assaulted them with knives and blunt weapons, causing severe injuries.

“A fight broke out between them, during which it is reported that they were attacked with knives and other blunt objects. As a result, they were seriously injured. Their brother took them to the hospital, and subsequently, an FIR was registered,” Kumar stated.

Authorities initially filed an FIR against unidentified persons. Police later analyzed CCTV footage and gathered witness testimonies to identify and apprehend the culprits.

Five suspects held; reward announced for fugitive

“The police made every effort and worked diligently. CCTV footage was reviewed, and information was gathered from people in the surrounding area. Four or five names then came to light,” Kumar said. “Those whose names came to light were arrested by the police. A total of five people have been arrested in this case. Three – Avinash Negi, Suraj Khawas, and Sumit – were sent to jail. Two of them were juveniles and were sent to the correctional home.”

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The SP confirmed that following Angel Chakma’s death during treatment, a murder charge has been added to the case. He noted that one accused individual, originally from Nepal, is currently absconding. Police have announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Justice assured by Chief Ministers

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced on Saturday (December 28) that he had discussed the tragedy with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. He confirmed that an investigation is in progress and assured the public that justice would be delivered.

“Spoke with Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand @pushkardhami Ji, regarding the tragic incident involving our student Angel Chakma, a resident of Nandanagar, Debram Thakur Para, who was brutally assaulted by a group of miscreants in Dehradun on 9th December and later he expires at Graphic Era Hospital,” Saha posted on X. “The Hon’ble Chief Minister informed me that, in connection with the case, five accused have already been arrested. Further investigation is underway, and he has assured that justice will be delivered.”