Dehradun / Agartala | 30 December 2025 |
Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, succumbed to his injuries after being brutally assaulted in Dehradun earlier this month. His death has triggered widespread outrage across the country, with students, civil society groups, and political leaders raising serious concerns over racial discrimination and the safety of people from India’s Northeast.
Anjel, a resident of Unakoti district in Tripura, was attacked on December 9 in the Selaqui area of Dehradun while he was out with his younger brother to buy groceries. According to family members and eyewitness accounts, a group of youths allegedly hurled racial slurs at the brothers, targeting their physical appearance and northeastern identity. When Anjel protested and asserted that they were Indians, the verbal abuse reportedly escalated into a violent physical assault.
He sustained severe injuries, including critical wounds to the neck and spine, and was rushed to a private hospital in Dehradun. Despite being under intensive medical care for over two weeks, Anjel failed to recover and passed away on December 26. His younger brother also suffered injuries in the incident.
The victim’s last words, as recalled by those present, were reportedly a heartbreaking assertion of identity: “We are Indians.” These words have since become a symbol of the larger struggle against racial prejudice faced by people from the Northeast.
Investigation Underway
Police have arrested several accused in connection with the case and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident thoroughly. While local police have stated that they are investigating all possible angles, including personal disputes, Anjel’s family has strongly maintained that the attack was racially motivated.
Anjel’s father, a serving Border Security Force personnel, has demanded strict punishment for the culprits and justice for his son. He has urged authorities to ensure that the case is not diluted and that the truth behind the attack is fully uncovered.
Protests and National Response
Following Anjel Chakma’s death, protests erupted in Tripura and other northeastern states. Students and youth organisations organised candlelight marches and demonstrations demanding justice and stronger legal protection for people from the Northeast living and studying outside the region.
Several political leaders have condemned the killing, calling it a shameful reminder of the discrimination still faced by northeastern communities. Rights organisations have also renewed demands for specific anti-racism laws and for recognising racially motivated violence as hate crimes under Indian law.
A Life Lost, A Question Raised
Anjel Chakma’s death has once again brought the issue of racism and social exclusion into the national spotlight. As his mortal remains were taken back to Tripura for last rites, grief and anger filled the air, with many asking how many more lives must be lost before meaningful action is taken.
His tragic death stands as a stark reminder that equality and dignity must not remain mere ideals, but be actively protected in practice.
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