The father of a young student from Tripura, who was brutally killed in an alleged racial attack in Dehradun, has come forward with serious allegations against the local police. He claims there was an intentional and significant delay in registering the First Information Report (FIR) related to his son's death, potentially hampering the initial investigation.
Details of the Tragic Incident and Police Response
The victim, identified as 19-year-old Mizo student Michael Mawia, was a first-year Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) student at a private institute in Dehradun. The fatal incident occurred on the night of February 2, 2024, near his residence in the Mohan Singh Nagar area of the city. According to the father, Michael was assaulted by a group of individuals. The family was informed of the attack the following day, February 3, and rushed to Dehradun from their home in Tripura.
Upon arrival, the grieving father, Lalchhanhima, found the police response lacking. He alleges that despite the clear evidence of a violent assault leading to his son's death, the authorities were reluctant to file an official complaint. The FIR was finally registered on February 5, 2024, at the Prem Nagar police station, under sections 302 (murder) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. This delay of several days, the family asserts, points to negligence and a possible attempt to downplay the serious nature of the crime.
Family's Allegations and Demand for Justice
Lalchhanhima has been vocal about his belief that the attack on his son was racially motivated. He stated that Michael had no prior enmity or disputes in Dehradun, suggesting his northeastern identity made him a target. The family's anguish is compounded by the perceived apathy of the system meant to deliver justice.
"We lost our son in a horrific manner. All we seek now is a fair and speedy investigation so that the culprits face the strictest punishment," the father expressed. He has appealed to higher authorities, including the Tripura Chief Minister, to intervene and ensure the case is handled with urgency and sensitivity. The family demands that the investigation explore the angle of a racial hate crime thoroughly and that all perpetrators are arrested promptly.
Broader Implications and Official Stance
This tragic event has once again highlighted concerns about the safety of students from India's northeastern states in other parts of the country. Incidents of racial profiling and violence have been reported previously, leading to calls for greater sensitization and stricter legal action.
While the family levels serious accusations, the Uttarakhand police have stated that an investigation is underway. They have confirmed the arrest of some suspects and assure that the case is being treated with importance. However, the question of the initial delay in filing the FIR remains a contentious point that the police administration will need to address transparently.
The case continues to develop as investigators piece together the events of that night. The outcome will be closely watched, not just by the victim's family, but by communities across India advocating for an end to racial discrimination and for equal protection under the law for all citizens.
