Tripura Student Dies After Racial Attack in Dehradun, Murder Charges Added

A 24-year-old student from Tripura has died after fighting for life for 17 days following a racially motivated assault in Dehradun, prompting police to convert the case into murder and intensify efforts to arrest an absconding accused.

The victim, Angel Chakma, succumbed to critical head and back injuries at a private hospital on Friday. The incident occurred on December 9 in the Selakui police station area and stemmed from an altercation over alleged racial slurs at a roadside canteen.

According to the police, Angel Chakma and his brother were at a canteen near a liquor shop when a group of intoxicated men allegedly hurled racial abuses at them. When the brothers protested, the argument escalated rapidly into violence. Officials said the attackers used a sharp-edged weapon and a kada, inflicting severe injuries on Angel, who collapsed at the scene.

Senior Superintendent of Police Ajai Singh said the accused appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and that the assault unfolded within minutes. Angel was rushed to hospital in critical condition and remained under treatment for over two weeks before succumbing to his injuries.

Following a complaint lodged by the family on December 10, police registered an FIR and constituted a special investigation team. Initially, three accused were arrested on December 14, while two minors were detained. The five accused have been identified as Avnish Negi, Shaurya Rajput, Suraj Khwas, Sumit and Ayush Baroni.

One accused remains absconding. Police believe he may have fled towards Nepal and have announced a reward of ₹25,000 for information leading to his arrest.

With the victim’s death, murder charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita have been added. Investigators are now re-examining medical reports, witness statements and forensic evidence as part of the expanded probe.

The case has sparked renewed concern over incidents of racial abuse and violence against students from India’s Northeast. Police have assured the victim’s family that all those involved will be held accountable and that the investigation will be completed swiftly.