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Dehradun: Angel Chakma, a 24‑year‑old student from Tripura, was attacked in Dehradun’s Selaqui area on December 9. He died after 17 days of treatment, sparking outrage among students and residents of the Northeast. The incident has raised serious concerns about racial violence and student safety in Uttarakhand.
Police have arrested five accused, including two minors, in connection with the case. However, the prime accused, Yagya Raj Awasthi, remains absconding. Authorities suspect he may have fled towards Nepal. To expedite the search, the Uttarakhand government has increased the reward from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
SIT formed by Dehradun Police
Responding to public anger and student protests, Dehradun Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The SIT will focus on conducting a fair and independent probe, coordinating with border agencies to trace the absconding accused, reviewing evidence, witness statements, and medical reports, and addressing broader concerns about student safety in Dehradun. Officials said the SIT will ensure no accused escapes accountability and that the investigation remains transparent.
NHRC issued a notice to Uttarakhand authorities
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to Uttarakhand authorities over the murder of Tripura student Angel Chakma in Dehradun. It has sought an action-taken report within seven days, directed officials to ensure the safety of Northeast students, and demanded accountability in the investigation.
Sit-in Protests and public pressure
Students from Tripura and other northeastern states have staged sit-in protests in Dehradun, demanding justice for Angel and stronger protection for out-of-state students. Protesters say the delay in arresting the main accused shows negligence and have vowed to continue demonstrations until justice is delivered. Civil society groups have also joined the protests, urging the government to take strict action and restore trust in Uttarakhand’s education system.
Government response
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami assured Angel’s family that strict action will be taken against all culprits. He said the SIT and the reward hike reflect the government’s commitment to justice. Financial assistance has also been promised to the family under state provisions.
Authorities are under pressure to arrest the absconding accused
With the reward now raised to Rs 1 lakh and a Special Investigation Team formed, authorities are under pressure to arrest the absconding accused and deliver justice. The case has become symbolic of the larger issue of student safety in Uttarakhand, where protests continue to demand accountability.
