Source Reuters
DEHRADUN – A 24-year-old student from Tripura, who was brutally assaulted with knives and a metal kada (bracelet) after protesting racial slurs, has succumbed to his injuries. Angel Chakma, an MBA student, passed away on Friday, December 26, after battling for his life for 17 days in a local hospital.
The Incident
The attack occurred on the evening of December 9 in the Selaqui area of Dehradun. According to police reports and family statements, Angel and his younger brother, Michael Chakma, were at a roadside canteen when a group of intoxicated men began targeting them with racial slurs, calling them “Chinese” and “Momo.”
When Angel calmly confronted the group, stating, “We are not Chinese, we are Indians,” the situation turned violent. The assailants allegedly struck Michael on the head with a heavy metal kada. As Angel stepped in to protect his brother, the main accused, identified as Yagya Awasthi, reportedly stabbed him multiple times in the head and back.
Medical Battle and Injuries
Angel was rushed to a private hospital in critical condition. A medical report revealed the severity of the trauma:
Neurological Damage: Deep lacerations to the occipital region of the head and fissures in the brain.
Spinal Cord Injury: The knife attack caused severe damage to his spine.
Paralysis: Angel suffered a complete loss of power on the right side of his body and remained largely unconscious throughout his 17-day hospital stay.
Legal Action and Arrests
Following Angel’s death, Dehradun Police have upgraded the charges to Murder (Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita).
Five suspects arrested: Police have apprehended five individuals, including two minors. The adults have been identified as Avnish Negi, Suraj Khwas, Sumit Kumar, and Shaurya Rajput.
Prime suspect at large: The main accused, Yagya Awasthi, a resident of Nepal, remains absconding. Police have announced a reward of ₹25,000 for information leading to his arrest and believe he may have fled across the border.
Political and Social Outcry
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across Tripura and the Northeast, reigniting demands for a dedicated anti-racial violence law in India.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called the incident “completely unacceptable” and assured the victim’s family of a fast-track investigation. Meanwhile, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has been in constant contact with Uttarakhand authorities to ensure justice.
Angel’s body was flown back to his hometown in Unakoti district, Tripura, on Saturday for his final rites. He was the son of
a BSF personnel.
