Tripura Youth Killed in Dehradun: Family Slams Police, Alleges Racial Angle Ignored

New Delhi: The murder case of 24-year-old Tripura resident Angel Chakma in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, has been in the news ever since his family challenged the police statement. Police had initially said that there did not appear to be racial motives behind the murder, but the family called it a hasty decision and questioned the police's opinion.

What is the family's claim?

Angel's brother Michael said that during the attack people shouted racial slurs at both of them, including derogatory terms such as "chinky," "Chinese," and "motto." The family says that the police ignored this aspect while giving the first statement and, without thoroughly examining the evidence, concluded that it was a “caste feud” and not a racial attack.

How did the incident happen?

On the evening of December 9, Angel and Michael had gone to buy groceries in Dehradun's Selaqui area when some youths made derogatory comments at them. When both the brothers protested, intense violence started. Some of the accused attacked with knives, leaving Angel seriously injured. During treatment, he could not save his life on 26 December.

What do the police say?

Police officer SSP Ajai Singh has said that there was no mention of racial words in the initial complaint, and since some of the accused are from Manipur and Nepal, they are not assuming direct racial motivation. However, the matter is still under investigation, and the police are collecting evidence so that the charge sheet can be prepared. The family described the explanation given by the police as “rushed and disappointing.”

Public reaction and political reaction

Northeastern communities and student organizations have strongly reacted to the police response and described the incident as racial violence. Candle marches and demands for justice were also held at many places. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has described the murder as a “hateful and ethnically motivated crime” and appealed to the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance.

What's happening next now?

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the DM and SSP of Dehradun in the matter, asking them to investigate promptly and present the details within 7 days. Also, instructions have been given to ensure the safety of northeastern students in the entire state.