Anjel Chakma Death Case: Family Alleges ‘Chinese’ Slurs, Police Deny Racial Angle

The death of Anjel Chakma, a student from Tripura who succumbed to injuries in Uttarakhand, has triggered conflicting claims between his family and the police over whether the attack had a racial motive.

While the family insists the assault was driven by racial slurs, the Dehradun Police say their investigation has not found proof of racial abuse so far.

Police reject racial angle in initial findings

According to the police, the violence broke out after a heated argument at a liquor shop in Dehradun's Selaqui area. Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh said the incident followed objections raised by the victims over remarks made by a group of youngsters.

"Our investigation so far has found no evidence of racial discrimination or violence," Singh told PTI.

The officer added that the police had taken note of social media posts claiming a racial motive but said no material supporting that claim had surfaced during the probe.

Family alleges racial slurs and brutal attack

Anjel Chakma, a final-year MBA student from Tripura's Unakoti district, died on December 26 after remaining hospitalised for 17 days. He was allegedly attacked on December 9 with knives and blunt objects.

His father, a BSF jawan currently posted in Manipur, alleged that his sons were targeted with racial slurs.

According to him, the attackers called them "Chinese momo" and made other racial remarks. He said Anjel objected, telling them that he "was also Indian, not Chinese", following which the assault took place.

Anjel's uncle echoed the charge, rejecting the police version of events.

"When Michael (Angel's brother) told them not to say such things, they attacked him... then Angel went to protect him, and they started beating him and stabbing him... No one tried to save them... Uttarakhand Police has said that this is not a case of racism, but it is indeed a case of racism," he told ANI.

FIR does not mention racial abuse, police say

Police officials said that no complaint related to racial abuse was made between December 9 and December 26, the period during which Anjel was undergoing treatment.

The SSP said the FIR registered in the case does not include allegations of racial bias. He explained that the altercation occurred during a birthday party hosted by one of the accused, Suraj Khwas.

"There was some banter among the guests. The victim's side found certain remarks offensive, which led to a dispute. In the fight that followed, Anjel Chakma and his brother Michael Chakma were injured. Anjel died during treatment at a hospital," Singh said.

He added that Anjel sustained fatal injuries to his spine and neck.

Accused arrested, one suspect absconding

Police said five of the six accused named in the FIR have been taken into custody. Two were found to be minors and sent to a correctional home, while three others are in judicial custody.

The remaining accused, 22-year-old Yagyraj Awasthi, a Nepalese national, is currently absconding.

"Our teams are working to trace him," Singh said, adding that a reward of ₹25,000 has been announced and a non-bailable warrant has been issued.

The SSP said statements of local residents have been recorded and CCTV footage has been collected.

"So far, no instance of any accused using racial slurs against the deceased has come to light," he said, stressing that the investigation is being conducted fairly and transparently.