Dehradun, Dec 29: Amid mounting outrage over the killing of a Tripura student in Dehradun, allegedly following a racist attack, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday spoke to the victim’s father and assured strict action against all those involved.
The victim, 24-year-old Angel Chakma, a resident of Tripura’s Unakoti district and a final-year MBA student at a Dehradun university, was fatally attacked following an altercation at Selakui market on December 9. According to police and family members, Angel and his younger brother Michael had an argument with Suraj Khawas (22), a resident of Manipur currently living in Dehradun, and five of his associates.
During the incident, the accused allegedly assaulted Angel with knives and brass knuckles. He was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and succumbed to his injuries on December 26 after battling for life for over two weeks.
Angel’s father, Tarun Prasad Chakma, who is posted with the Border Security Force (BSF) in Manipur, alleged that the attack was racially motivated. He claimed that the assailants hurled racial slurs at his son, calling him “Chinese” and using other derogatory remarks before attacking him.
Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Chief Minister Dhami said five accused have already been arrested, while one suspect has fled to Nepal. A reward of Rs 25,000 has been announced for information leading to the arrest of the absconding accused, identified as Yagyaraj Awasthi, a resident of Nepal’s Kanchanpur district. A police team has been sent to Nepal to trace him.
Dhami said he is personally pained by the incident and assured the family that the Uttarakhand government will ensure the culprits receive the strictest punishment. He also said he has spoken to Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding the case.
Police said the case was initially registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for assault and intimidation, later upgraded to murder following Angel’s death. Five accused, including two juveniles, are currently in custody as the investigation continues.
