Tripura CM Calls for Justice in Anjel Chakma Murder Case
Demand for Justice and Support for Victim's Family
Agartala, Dec 31: The Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr. Manik Saha, has urged for severe penalties against those responsible for the tragic murder of Anjel Chakma, a student from Tripura, in Uttarakhand. He has appealed to the public to refrain from politicizing this unfortunate event.
Dr. Saha expressed his sorrow over the incident, noting that both the Tripura and Uttarakhand governments have provided financial aid to the grieving family, emphasizing that no financial support can truly replace the loss of a young life.
He mentioned that he had a conversation with Uttarakhand's Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, shortly after learning about the incident and has maintained communication to ensure cooperation between the two states.
The Tripura government has pledged Rs 5 lakh in financial assistance, with Uttarakhand also contributing support to the family.
In a show of solidarity, Tripura's Minister for Social Welfare, Tinku Roy, and Minister for Industries, Santana Chakma, visited the family of the deceased student to deliver cheques from both state governments.
Dr. Saha also met with representatives from the Chakma Students’ Organisation to address their concerns.
The family of Anjel Chakma is demanding either capital punishment or life imprisonment for the perpetrators, asserting that no punishment can truly compensate for their immense loss.
Anjel’s uncle, Momen Chakma, claimed that Anjel had informed his attackers of his Indian nationality before being fatally stabbed. He called on authorities to take decisive action against racial hatred directed at individuals from the North East.
Condemning the murder, C Ngunlianchunga, the sole Congress MLA from Mizoram, described the event as “deeply disturbing,” suggesting it reflects a hate crime and the increasing vulnerability of students and minorities. He called for prompt action, a thorough investigation, and strict penalties for those involved, emphasizing the need for the safety of North East students studying elsewhere in the country.
He affirmed that the Congress party stands with the bereaved family and demands justice for Anjel Chakma.
Additionally, the All India Chakma Students’ Union (AICSU) has requested a CBI investigation into the case and proposed that the trial be moved outside Uttarakhand, preferably to Delhi, due to safety concerns and alleged negligence by local police.
The organization claimed there was a three-day delay in filing the FIR following the incident on December 9 and alleged that the Selakui Police Station initially refused to accept the complaint.
They accused senior police officials of downplaying the incident as a mere “fight” while disregarding claims of racial abuse.
The AICSU also raised concerns regarding the hospital's response, alleging that despite Anjel being admitted in critical condition to Graphic Era Hospital, the police were not notified in a timely manner.
With family members and key witnesses feeling unsafe in Uttarakhand, the organization argued that relocating the trial is essential for a fair judicial process.
Among their demands are a CBI inquiry into the alleged lapses by police and hospital staff, accountability for those at fault, the arrest of the fleeing suspects, compensation of Rs 2 crore for the victim’s family, and the establishment of a dedicated police unit to protect North East students and residents in Uttarakhand.
The AICSU has vowed to pursue the case through all legal avenues, insisting that justice for Anjel Chakma must be upheld.
Anjel, who hailed from Machmara in Unakoti district, had traveled to Dehradun to pursue an MBA after graduating from Holy Cross College. He was tragically stabbed to death in front of his younger brother, Michael, and succumbed to his injuries after a 17-day battle for survival.