Investigation Launched into Tripura Student's Death in Dehradun

The Dehradun Police have initiated a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve into the death of Anjel Chakma, a student from Tripura. Initial investigations have not found evidence supporting claims of racial abuse. The incident, which occurred on December 9, escalated from a confrontation at a liquor shop, leading to Chakma's stabbing. Despite social media speculation, police reports indicate no racial motives were involved. The main suspect, Yagyraj Awasthi, remains at large, with efforts underway to apprehend him. This tragic case has raised significant concerns and discussions regarding safety and racial issues in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 31, 2025, 12:06 IST

SIT Formed to Probe the Incident

Dehradun Police has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the murder of Anjel Chakma, a student from Tripura. Authorities have indicated that initial findings do not support claims of racial abuse.

According to police reports, Chakma was attacked after he confronted a group of individuals who were engaging in what he perceived as inappropriate banter at a liquor store.

During a press briefing, Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Singh stated that they are close to capturing the suspect who allegedly stabbed Chakma in Nepal.

"The full details of the incident will emerge once we apprehend the main suspect, Yagyraj Awasthi, who inflicted the stab wounds," Singh remarked.

The SIT, led by a Circle Officer, has taken over the investigation to ensure thoroughness and that no detail is overlooked.

Singh noted that the police have been monitoring social media discussions suggesting a racial motive behind the attack, but their investigation has not uncovered any evidence supporting such claims.

From December 9, the date of the incident, until December 26, when Chakma passed away, there were no reports of racial abuse filed with the police.

The FIR related to the case does not include any allegations of racial bias.

While the complainant mentioned that casteist slurs were directed at the brothers, it was found that two of the accused belong to the Scheduled Tribe community.

Detailing the events of December 9 in the Selaqui area, Singh explained that a birthday celebration hosted by one of the accused, Suraj Khwas from Manipur, escalated into violence.

The police have gathered all relevant CCTV footage, which captured the incident occurring in a busy area within a span of 40-50 seconds around 6:15 PM.

Singh described how a heated argument erupted between two groups, leading to the tragic confrontation. The victim's side found certain remarks offensive, which sparked the dispute. In the ensuing altercation, both Chakma and his brother Michael were injured, with Anjel ultimately succumbing to his injuries after 17 days in the hospital.

The police confirmed that the accused and the victim were not previously acquainted, and the attack was a result of heightened emotions.

The investigation revealed that the suspect had no prior criminal record. Singh mentioned that Awasthi used a knife, which was retrieved from a nearby egg cart, to stab Chakma.

Statements from local witnesses have been documented, and digital evidence, including CCTV footage, has been collected. Thus far, there have been no reports of any racial slurs being used against the deceased.

Singh also reported that five of the six suspects named in the FIR have been detained. Two of them are minors and have been sent to a correctional facility, while three are in judicial custody. The remaining suspect, Yagyraj Awasthi, a 22-year-old from Nepal, is currently at large.

Efforts are underway to locate and arrest Awasthi, with the Uttarakhand Police increasing the reward for information leading to his capture from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh, and a non-bailable warrant has been issued.

Anjel Chakma, who was in his final year of MBA studies at a private university, suffered severe injuries during the attack on December 9 and passed away on December 26.