New revelations have emerged in the killing of 24-year-old Anjel Chakma, a final-year MBA student from Tripura, in Dehradun, indicating that the attack involved knives and a ‘kada’ (metal bracelet).
CNN-News18
has accessed a photograph of the kada allegedly used in the assault, adding a grim new dimension to an incident that was first reported earlier this month.
The incident took place on December 9 in the Selakui area of Dehradun, when Anjel and his brother Michael were confronted by a group of six youths.
The conflict reportedly began after the attackers hurled racial slurs at Michael.
When Anjel intervened to defend his brother, he was allegedly assaulted with knives and a kada.
He suffered severe blows to his head, neck, and back and was critically injured.
Speaking to news agency PTI, Anjel’s father, Tarun Chakma, a BSF jawan posted in Manipur, described the attack as brutal.
“Anjel’s neck was broken in the attack, which led to his death. I have lost my son, and now he should get justice,” he said.
Tarun alleged that police initially refused to register a complaint and only filed an FIR two to three days later after intervention by the All India Chakma Students Union and senior officials.
He recounted that Anjel was trying to defend his brother when he was attacked with knives and the kada, which ultimately caused fatal injuries.
Uttarakhand Police have so far arrested five individuals in connection with the attack, including three adults, Suraj Khwas (22) from Manipur, Avinash Negi (25), and Sumit (25), along with two juveniles.
Another accused is reportedly absconding in Nepal.
A reward of Rs 25,000 has been announced for information leading to the arrest of the fugitive, and a team has been dispatched to Nepal in an effort to bring him to justice.
Anjel Chakma succumbed to his injuries on December 26 after 17 days in the hospital.
His last rites were performed in Machmara village, Unakoti district, Tripura, as demands for justice and strict punishment for the perpetrators continue to mount.
Meanwhile, political leaders from the Northeast have strongly condemned the killing.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said he spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who assured strict action against the perpetrators.
“I spoke with Pushkar Singh Dhami regarding this matter. He has assured me that he will ensure that justice is served. Five people have been arrested, and one or two more are probably still at large, and they will be apprehended soon.”
“I said that there shouldn’t be any gaps in the investigation. He assured me that they will deliver justice, and they have already arrested five people,” Chief Minister Saha told news agency ANI.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X, “The tragic death of Anjel Chakma from Tripura following brutal racial abuse in Dehradun is heartbreaking and unacceptable. I urge the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, to ensure strict action against the culprits so that justice is served.”
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma called the incident “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” emphasising that racial violence must never be tolerated.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, “This painful incident must remind those outside the Northeast to know that the Northeast is not a distant corner of India, it is India… It is time the rest of the country moves beyond stereotypes and embraces the Northeast not as a margin, but as a pillar of India’s unity and strength.”
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