Anjel Chakma Death: 24-Year-Old Tripura Student Killed in Dehradun

New Delhi, December 28: This is not the kind of story that needs fancy words. Anjel Chakma was 24 years old. He went to Dehradun to study. He never came back alive. On December 26, after spending more than two weeks in hospital, Anjel died from stab injuries. The attack happened on December 9. Police say it began after racial abuse. A few words were spoken. A knife was pulled out. And a young man’s life was cut short.

For his family in Tripura, everything stopped that day.

How It All Went Wrong

That night in Dehradun, Anjel was with his brother. They were not looking for trouble. According to police, a group of local men started making comments about their appearance and where they came from. Anyone from the Northeast will tell you this is common. People stare. People comment. Most times, you ignore it and move on.

Anjel didn’t. He spoke up. That’s all.

The argument grew heated. Someone lost control. One of the men allegedly took out a knife and attacked Anjel. His brother tried to stop it and got hurt too. By the time help came, Anjel was bleeding badly.

Days In Hospital, Nights Without Sleep

Doctors rushed Anjel into the ICU. Machines took over what his body could no longer do on its own. His family kept calling. Waiting. Praying.

Every day was the same question. Is he better? Every day, the answer was unclear.

On December 26, the hospital called and said he was gone. No warning prepares a parent for that call.

Police Action And One Man Still Missing

After Anjel died, police added murder charges. They arrested five people. But the man named as the main accused, Yagyaraj Awasthi, has not been caught yet. Police say he may have run towards Nepal. A ₹25,000 reward has been announced for information. Search teams are working, officials say.

For Anjel’s family, this means little until the man is actually arrested.

Back Home In Tripura

Anjel was from Debrampara in Agartala. His roots are in Pecharthal, in North Tripura. His father works as a Border Security Force constable and is posted in Manipur. Locals say it hurts to think that a man protecting the country lost his son like this.

When Anjel’s body reached Tripura on December 26, people came in large numbers. There was crying. There was silence. There was anger that no one knew where to place.

What Leaders And Students Are Saying

Political leaders reacted strongly. Pradyot Kishore Debbarma said the killing was unacceptable and that justice must be fast and strict. Students across the Northeast held candlelight marches. No big speeches. Just placards and quiet anger.

Many asked the same thing. If speaking up can get you killed, what are you supposed to do?

Why This Hit So Hard

This story feels personal to many people because it is familiar. Students from the Northeast have faced abuse in many Indian cities for years. Names. Jokes. Threats. Most learn to stay quiet to stay safe.

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Anjel did not stay quiet. That is the truth of it.

What People Want Now

People are not asking for sympathy messages or condolences. They want the missing accused arrested. They want the case to move quickly. They want punishment that sends a clear message. Mostly, they want young people to be able to study anywhere in India without fear.

Anjel Chakma should have been planning his future. Instead, his death has become another reminder that for many, safety in this country still depends on where you come from and how you look.

That is not something India can keep ignoring.

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Ananya Sharma

Senior Political Correspondent – Ananya@hindustanherald.in – Web

Covers Indian politics, governance, and policy developments with over a decade of experience in political reporting.

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