Dehradun: Police on Tuesday said their investigation into the death of Tripura student Anjel Chakma has so far found no evidence of racial abuse, stating that the assault followed a dispute that broke out after the victim objected to certain remarks during a confrontation near a liquor shop in Dehradun.
Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh said the police had taken note of social media claims suggesting a racial motive but stressed that no such evidence has emerged during the probe. He added that no complaint related to racial abuse was raised between December 9, when the incident occurred, and December 26, when Anjel succumbed to his injuries. The FIR registered in the case also does not mention allegations of racial discrimination, he said.
According to the police, the incident took place in the Selaqui area on December 9, when a birthday party was hosted by one of the accused, Suraj Khwas, a resident of Manipur. Two groups, including Anjel Chakma and his brother Michael Chakma on one side and six other youths on the other, got into a heated argument. The situation escalated after Anjel’s side objected to what they described as inappropriate banter, leading to a violent clash.
During the altercation, Anjel and his brother sustained serious injuries. Anjel suffered critical injuries to his spine and neck and died during treatment after remaining hospitalised for 17 days. Police said there is no evidence so far to suggest that racial slurs were used during the incident.
Five of the six accused named in the FIR have been taken into custody. Two of them were found to be juveniles and have been sent to a correction home, while three others are in judicial custody. The remaining accused, Yagyraj Awasthi, a 22-year-old Nepalese national, is absconding. Police have announced a reward of ₹25,000 for information leading to his arrest and have issued a non-bailable warrant against him.
The SSP said statements of local residents have been recorded and digital evidence, including CCTV footage, has been collected as part of the investigation. He reiterated that the probe is being conducted in a fair and transparent manner and assured that strict legal action would be taken based on the findings.
Anjel Chakma was a final-year MBA student at a private university in Dehradun. His father, a BSF jawan currently posted in Manipur, has alleged that his son was brutally attacked while trying to protect his brother, who was allegedly subjected to racial slurs. Police, however, maintain that the investigation has not substantiated those claims so far.
