A tragic altercation between youths in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, has resulted in the death of Anjel Chakma, a final-year MBA student at Jigyasa University. Anjel succumbed to his injuries on December 26, after battling for his life in hospital for over a week.
In the days following the incident, the case has been portrayed by sections of the media as a racially motivated assault. However, the contents of the FIR and official police updates so far do not conclusively establish the incident as a racial or hate-based crime. The police investigation remains ongoing.
What happened on December 9
The incident occurred on December 9, between 6 pm and 7 pm, in Selakui, Dehradun. According to the FIR, Anjel Chakma and his younger brother, Michael Chakma, a student of Uttaranchal University, had stepped out to buy groceries when they encountered a group of individuals who were allegedly intoxicated.
As per the FIR (Number: 151/2025) registered at the Selakui Police Station of the Dehradun district on December 12, the complainant, Michael Chakma, detailed the police about the incident.
As per the FIR, Michael told the police that, “On 9 December 2025, between approximately 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, at Selakui, the complainant and the complainant’s brother had gone out to purchase some items. At that time, some unknown persons, who were heavily intoxicated with alcohol, behaved miscreantly with the complainant and the complainant’s brother.”
He later said that they allegedly began using “caste-based derogatory words” against the complainant.
When the complainant and his brother objected to this behaviour, the said unknown persons attacked the complainant and his brother with a knife and a metal bangle (kada). The complainant was struck on the head with the metal bangle by the said unknown persons. When the complainant’s brother tried to intervene and rescue him, the attackers stabbed him with a knife in the stomach and the head. The condition of the complainant’s brother became very serious, following which the complainant immediately admitted his brother to Graphic Era Hospital.
The condition of the complainant’s brother remains critical. Based on the complaint, the attackers were booked under sections 115(2), 118, and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police investigations led to the identification of six accused persons. Five of them have been arrested and produced before the court. The accused are:
1. Avinash Negi, son of Harish Singh Negi, resident of Shankarpur, Sahaspur, Dehradun, aged 25 years
2. Sumit, son of Pyarelal, resident of Tilwadi, Selakui, Dehradun, aged 25 years
3. Suraj Khawas, son of Anil Khawas, resident of Irang Partwan, Dhimariya Thay, District Sinavati, Manipur, presently residing in Nayagaon, Dehradun, aged 22 years
4. Shaurya, son of Bharat Singh, resident of Dhulkot, Jhajhra, Prem Nagar, Dehradun, aged 18 years
5. Ayush Badoni, son of Dhanesh Chandra, resident of Baya Khala, Selakui, Dehradun, aged 18 years
Police sources have indicated that the initial altercation reportedly involved Suraj Khawas, following which the confrontation escalated.
One accused absconding
The sixth accused, Yagya Aswasthi, son of Chetram, is currently absconding. Police have obtained an arrest warrant from the court and announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for information leading to his arrest. A police team has been dispatched to Nepal, where he is suspected to have fled, and authorities have stated that his arrest is expected soon.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the government would deal strictly with the culprits. Police announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for the only absconding accused and said they have sent a team to Nepal.
After Anjel Chakma’s death, his body was flown to Agartala via Delhi on December 27. Family members, along with representatives of the Youth Tipra Federation (YTF) and the Tribal Indigenous Students’ Federation (TISF), received the body at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport.
The body was later taken to his residence at Nandanagar, where large numbers of people gathered to pay their last respects. Subsequently, Anjel was laid to rest at his native village in Unakoti district.
Police denied racial angle
While the incident has understandably triggered grief and anger, police officials have reiterated that the investigation is still underway. At present, the FIR and official statements describe the incident as a violent altercation involving intoxicated individuals, and no final determination regarding motive, including allegations of racial or hate-based intent, has been made.
On December 27, Dehradun SSP Ajai Singh told reporters that the accused group of six people was allegedly talking among themselves and arguing about something. “It seemed as if someone was commenting on him (Angel),” he said.
Singh said, “One of the accused involved in the case is a resident of Manipur.”
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said he spoke to his Uttarakhand counterpart Dhami, who has assured him of action against the culprits.
Terming the incident as tragic and unexpected, he said, “The Delhi leadership, who are aware of the incident, has also passed necessary directions to the state (Uttarakhand) government to act on the case to ensure justice for the victim’s family.”
Authorities have assured that all aspects of the case will be examined and that strict action will be taken against those found responsible under the law.
