Rahul Gandhi Condemns Hate Crime Against Tripura Student: A Call for Justice

A Tragic Incident in Dehradun

In New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, expressed his outrage over the brutal murder of a student from Tripura, labeling it a shocking hate crime. He criticized the ruling BJP for fostering an environment where such hatred is becoming commonplace.

Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old from Nandannagar in West Tripura, was assaulted by a group of six individuals after he confronted them regarding a racial insult on December 9 in Dehradun. Tragically, he passed away from his injuries on December 26 while receiving medical care.

Gandhi took to social media platform X to emphasize that hate does not emerge spontaneously. He stated, "The incident involving Angel Chakma and his brother Michael in Dehradun is a horrific hate crime."

He further elaborated that this culture of hate has been cultivated over the years, particularly among the youth, through harmful narratives and toxic content, which he claims are being perpetuated by the BJP's leadership.

The Opposition leader asserted that India is founded on principles of respect and unity, rather than fear and violence. He urged citizens to recognize the diversity and love that define the nation, warning against becoming a society that turns a blind eye to the targeting of its own people.

Gandhi extended his condolences to the Chakma family and the people of Tripura and the Northeast, expressing pride in their identity as fellow Indians.

In response to the incident, Tripura's Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that his counterpart in Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has promised that all individuals involved in the murder will be apprehended.

On Sunday, a significant gathering of students from the Tipra Indigenous Students’ Federation held a candlelight march, demanding justice for Angel Chakma. They marched approximately one kilometer from the North Gate of Ujjayanta Palace.