Police Open to New Evidence in Tragic Assault Case
Dehradun police have announced they are willing to examine fresh statements from the family of Anjel Chakma regarding the use of racial slurs during the attack that led to his death. This comes days after investigators initially ruled out a racial angle based on their preliminary findings.
Contradictory Accounts Emerge
The fatal incident occurred on December 9 in a public area of Dehradun. Anjel Chakma, a young man from Tripura, succumbed to his injuries on December 26. Senior Superintendent of Police Ajai Singh stated on Monday that the investigation so far had not found evidence of racial slurs being used against Anjel and his brother, Michael.
"The incident appeared to have happened in the heat of the moment, in a busy public place," Singh said. He explained that remarks exchanged among the six accused were mistakenly perceived by the Chakma brothers as being directed at them.
However, the victim's family has presented a different account to media outlets. Michael Chakma, the lone eyewitness, and their father, Tarun Chakma, a Border Security Force head constable, alleged that the attackers used derogatory terms like "Chinese, Chinki and Momo." They claim the brothers objected to these slurs, which then triggered the violent assault.
Investigation Progress and Family's Plea
SSP Singh countered the family's media statements, noting that Michael's original complaint mentioned "casteist slurs" but did not specify racial terms. "The family remained in Dehradun till December 27 but did not tell police about racial slurs," Singh stated. He assured that police are open to incorporating any fresh claims if formally presented.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to track down and arrest the one accused still absconding, identified as Yagya Awasthi. He is alleged to have stabbed Anjel with a knife picked up from a nearby egg stall.
In a poignant development, Michael Chakma posted an emotional video montage dedicated to his brother on social media on Tuesday evening. He made a heartfelt request for privacy, asking media outlets to stop pressing him for interviews.
"I respectfully request all media houses, television channels and journalists to please stop pressuring me for interviews or explanations... I am completely exhausted. I lost my brother, and I am still trying to accept the unbearable loss," he expressed in his post.
He added, "I am not in a position to speak further and relive this pain again and again. I need time and space for me and my family to grieve, to breathe, and to begin healing." He signed off with a touching, "I love you mere bhai."
