Racial Hate Crime Attack In Dehradun Prompts Calls For National Hate Crime Law

A 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, Anjel Chakma, has died after an alleged racist stabbing in Dehradun, sparking anger across the North East and fresh demands for a national law on hate crimes. Five people have been arrested so far, while one more accused is still on the run.

Anjel’s father, Tarun Prasad Chakma, has appealed to authorities in Uttarakhand to guarantee safety for students from the North East living in Dehradun. Tarun has urged the district administration and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to act so that similar attacks do not happen again.

Racial attack on Tripura student in Dehradun shocks North East

Speaking to CNN-News18, Tarun described how Anjel was first abused and then assaulted while out shopping. He said his child had stepped out to buy vegetables when a group allegedly targeted Anjel with racial slurs, which then escalated into a brutal attack involving repeated stabbing and beatings.

Tarun said the attackers came on a motorcycle and began taunting Anjel with slurs linked to appearance. According to Tarun, the confrontation turned violent when Anjel objected. "My child had gone to buy vegetables. The accused had come on a bike. The main accused, who is from Dehradun, along with others, hurled racial abuses. When Anjel opposed, he was beaten to death," Tarun said.

What witnesses say about the Dehradun racial attack on Tripura student

The assault took place on 9 December at a market in Dehradun, where Anjel and younger brother Michael were reportedly stopped by a group of men. Witnesses said the men mocked the siblings by calling them "Chinese", triggering an argument in the crowded local marketplace.

Friends later recounted that Anjel tried to respond calmly to the taunts and asserted identity. "We are not Chinese. We are Indians. What certificate should we show to prove that?" he reportedly said. Soon afterwards, the situation turned violent, and knives were allegedly used against the brothers while the abuse continued.

Tripura student’s injuries, hospital battle and impact on North East students

During the attack, Anjel suffered deep wounds to the neck and spine, according to those close to the family. Michael also sustained serious injuries and is still undergoing treatment. A close friend, who remained at the hospital through Anjel’s treatment, said, "He was calm and friendly. None of us can believe this happened," capturing the disbelief among classmates.

Tarun mentioned that the parents of some accused had tried to reach out while Anjel was in hospital, but Tarun could not hold conversations at that time. Anjel fought for life for 15 days before dying. The body was flown to Agartala on a Saturday, where grief spread through Nandanagar in Unakoti district and across other northeastern states.

Arrests, investigation and calls for racial attack law for North East students

Police in Dehradun have arrested five suspects linked to the killing of the Tripura student. Two of those arrested are minors and have been sent to a juvenile reform home. One more accused remains absconding, and investigators have announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for information leading to that person’s arrest.

The absconding suspect is believed to have fled towards Nepal, and a police team has been sent there to search. Student groups across the North East have launched protests over the Dehradun racial attack, demanding a national law specifically addressing racial hate crimes. Student organisations in Dehradun are also pressing for better protection and dignity for learners from every region.

Tarun’s appeal has become central to these protests, as many students from the North East study in cities like Dehradun. Tarun said, "I don't want any child or student from the North East to go through this," reflecting wider concerns over safety, racial profiling and the need for strong preventive action from authorities.