New Delhi: The death of Anjel Chakma, a 24 year old MBA student from Tripura, has triggered sharp debate on racism, accountability, and the safety of students from India’s northeastern states living outside their home regions.
Police officials in Dehradun stated the attack did not arise from racial intent. The Senior Superintendent of Police said derogatory remarks exchanged among a group, described as comments made in jest, led to confusion and a clash between strangers. Police claimed one youth from the northeast admitted during questioning the remarks targeted no individual.
According to the police case filed by Anjel’s brother Michel, the brothers faced caste based slurs while shopping on December 9. When they objected, the accused attacked them with knives and rods. Michel suffered head injuries. Anjel sustained stab wounds to the neck and abdomen. He died on December 26 after seventeen days in hospital.
Five accused stand arrested. One suspect, a Nepali national, escaped across the border.
Student groups rejected the police explanation. The North East Students Association in Dehradun said Anjel faced taunts linked to language and identity, including demands to prove Indian identity by speaking Hindi. The association stated many northeastern students experience similar abuse due to lack of awareness and education.
Anjel’s father, a BSF jawan, appealed for equal treatment of students from the northeast across Indian cities. He stressed their identity as Indians.
Political leaders across parties described the killing as a national failure. They demanded strict punishment and stronger legal protection against racism and hate crimes. The Uttarakhand government assured the family of firm action and full support.
