Authorities have dispatched a special team to Nepal and announced a cash reward of Rs 25,000 for information leading to the arrest of the main accused in the brutal assault case that led to the death of a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura. The victim, Anjel Chakma, a resident of Unakoti district, was attacked in Dehradun on December 9 and succumbed to his injuries on December 26.
Cross-Border Manhunt and High-Level Assurances
In a significant development, the Uttarakhand police have sent a team across the border to Nepal to track down the primary accused, identified as Yagya Awasthi, who remains at large. The state's Chief Minister's Office (CMO) confirmed that a reward of Rs 25,000 has been declared for any credible information on his whereabouts.
The case has triggered high-level political intervention. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha personally spoke with his Uttarakhand counterpart, Pushkar Singh Dhami, seeking justice for what is being described as a racially-spurred attack. CM Dhami assured swift action, stating that such incidents are "completely unacceptable" and vowing that "no one will be spared."
"I spoke with Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami regarding this matter. He has assured me that he will ensure justice is served," CM Saha told ANI. He emphasized that the investigation must have no gaps and confirmed he is in touch with the victim's family and local representatives to offer support.
Chronology of the Assault and Investigation
Superintendent of Police (City) Pramod Kumar provided a detailed account of the incident. The assault occurred on the evening of December 9 in the Premnagar police station area of Dehradun. Anjel Chakma and his brother, Michael Chakma, had gone to Selaqui for some work when they got into an argument with a group of local youths and another individual from the Northeast.
The argument escalated into a violent physical confrontation. "A fight broke out between them, during which it is reported that they were attacked with knives and other blunt objects. As a result, they were seriously injured," Kumar stated. The brothers were rushed to a hospital by a family member, and a First Information Report (FIR) was subsequently registered against unknown persons.
Police launched an intensive investigation, scanning CCTV footage and gathering local intelligence. This led to the identification of several suspects. "Police are continuously conducting raids to arrest one absconding accused," the Uttarakhand CMO noted.
Arrests, Charges, and a Promise of Strict Action
So far, five individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. Among those apprehended are Avinash Negi, Suraj Khawas, and Sumit, who have been sent to jail. Two of the arrested are minors and have been sent to a juvenile correctional home.
Following Anjel Chakma's tragic death on December 26 while undergoing treatment at Graphic Era Hospital, the charges in the case have been intensified. "A murder charge has been added to the case," confirmed SP Kumar.
Chief Minister Dhami has issued strict instructions to the police to apprehend the fugitive accused at the earliest. He issued a stern warning, stating that those who "play with law and order should not expect any leniency" and affirmed that "such anti-social elements will not be spared at any cost." The CMO also reiterated the state government's commitment to the safety of all citizens and expressed condolences for the student's death.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of students from the Northeast in other parts of India and has sparked demands for stringent action against perpetrators of racially motivated violence.
