Dehradun, 28th December, 2025: What began as a protest against alleged racial abuse at a roadside canteen in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun has ended in tragedy, with a 24-year-old student from Tripura losing his life after battling critical injuries for 17 days.
Police said the victim, identified as Angel Chakma, died on Friday at a private hospital where he had been undergoing treatment for severe head and back injuries. Following his death, police have added murder charges to the case and widened the scope of their investigation.
According to police, the incident occurred on December 9 in the Selakui police station area. Angel Chakma and his brother, Michael Chakma, were standing near a canteen close to a liquor shop when a group of allegedly intoxicated men hurled racial slurs at them. When the brothers objected, the argument escalated into a violent confrontation.
SP City Pramod Kumar said that during the scuffle, six men allegedly attacked Angel using a sharp-edged weapon and a kada (metal bangle), leaving him grievously injured. Dehradun SSP Ajai Singh stated that the accused appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and that the situation spiralled out of control within minutes. Angel collapsed at the spot and was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
Despite prolonged medical treatment, Angel succumbed to his injuries on Friday. His family had filed a complaint at Selakui police station on December 10, after which an FIR was registered and a special investigation team was formed.
Police said three accused were arrested on December 14, while two minors were detained during the early stage of the investigation. The accused have been identified as Avnish Negi, Shaurya Rajput, Suraj Khwas, Sumit and Ayush Baroni. One accused is still absconding, and police suspect he may have fled to Nepal. A reward of Rs 25,000 has been announced for information leading to his arrest.
With murder charges now invoked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, investigators are re-examining witness statements, medical records and forensic evidence. The case has sparked concern over allegations of racial abuse faced by students from the Northeast.
Police have assured the victim’s family of strict action and a time-bound investigation, stating that all those involved in the attack will be brought to justice.
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