The death of a 24-year-old student from Tripura in Dehradun has triggered nationwide outrage and prompted intervention from the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). Anjel Chakma was allegedly killed in a brutal racist attack by six individuals, leading to a swift political and administrative response.
National Commission Steps In, Top Officials Served Notices
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has formally served notices to the Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP), the Dehradun District Magistrate (DM), and the Dehradun Superintendent of Police (SP). The commission has demanded a detailed report on the action taken in the case of the student's murder. This move underscores the gravity with which the central body is treating the incident.
On the ground, the Uttarakhand police have already made significant headway. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that five out of the six accused have been apprehended. Among those arrested are two juveniles. The search is on for the one remaining accused who is currently absconding. CM Dhami emphasized that his government is treating the case with utmost seriousness and that such incidents are "not at all acceptable in Uttarakhand." He assured that the perpetrators would not be spared.
Condemnation from Across the Northeast and a Family's Heartbreak
The tragedy has resonated deeply, particularly in the northeastern states. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha spoke directly to his Uttarakhand counterpart, urging strict action. Senior leaders from the region, including Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, have also condemned the attack and called for stern punishment.
Amid the political developments, Anjel Chakma's family is grappling with an irreparable loss. Remembered as a calm and friendly young man, Anjel had recently secured his first job through campus placement at a French multinational company. Just about a month ago, he had told his father, a BSF head constable, to opt for voluntary retirement and rest, assuring him that he would now support the family.
His maternal uncle, Momen Chakma, shared with the media that Anjel, having lived in multiple states due to his father's postings, was mature and always wanted to ease the family's burdens. "He never indulged in any violence or brawls," Momen said, adding that the family is now shattered. Anjel had plans to request a transfer to his company's Guwahati or Kolkata office to be closer to home and had even asked his mother to be ready to live with him.
Unfulfilled Dreams and a Brother's Trauma
Anjel's younger brother, 21-year-old Michael, who was in Dehradun on his insistence, has vowed never to return to Uttarakhand. He revealed that Anjel was fond of the hills and had encouraged him to pursue higher studies in Dehradun. They had planned a trek to Chandrashila on December 22, after Michael's exams. Tragically, a pair of new trekking shoes meant for that adventure arrived on December 10, a day after the incident, and remain unpacked.
Michael recounted the painful contrast of his arrival and departure from Dehradun: "He came to receive me at Dehradun airport when I first landed there, and after a year, I was leaving the same airport with his coffin." The family, in their grief, has requested the government to consider transferring the case to a court in Delhi for convenience, highlighting the cruel irony of a father protecting the country's borders while losing his son to violence within.
The case continues to develop as authorities work to nab the final accused and the NCST awaits its report, while a family mourns a life full of promise, cut brutally short.
