Anjel and his younger brother Michael were stopped by a group of men who allegedly hurled racial slurs at them. Witnesses said the men referred to the brothers as “Chinese”.
A 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura died after being stabbed during a racist attack in Dehradun. Anjel Chakma passed away in hospital on Friday after battling for life for more than 14 days. The incident took place on December 9 in the Selaqui area, when a routine visit to a local market turned into a violent confrontation.
Anjel and his younger brother Michael were stopped by a group of men who allegedly hurled racial slurs at them. Witnesses said the men referred to the brothers as “Chinese”.
‘We Are Indians’
Friends said Anjel calmly challenged the abuse. “We are not Chinese. We are Indians. What certificate should we show to prove that?” he reportedly said. Moments later, the situation escalated. The men allegedly attacked the brothers with knives while continuing to abuse them.
Anjel suffered severe injuries to his neck and spine. Michael was also injured and remains in serious condition. A close friend, who stayed at the hospital throughout Anjel’s treatment, said he was shocked by the violence. “He was calm and friendly. None of us can believe this happened,” the friend said.
Anjel’s body was flown to Agartala on Saturday. His death has sparked anger and grief across Tripura and other northeastern states. Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, chairman of the Tipra Motha Party, helped the family with medical support and funeral arrangements.
Speaking to the media, Debbarma said it was tragic that people from the northeast were targeted with racist abuse. “These attacks divide us. We want justice,” he said.
Police Action
Police said a case was registered on December 12 following a complaint by Michael Chakma. Five of the six accused, including two juveniles, were arrested on December 14. The main accused, Yagya Awasthi, is believed to have fled to Nepal. Police have sent teams to trace him and announced a reward of Rs 25,000.