Dehradun: The father of 24-year-old Angel Chakma, a student from Tripura who succumbed to injuries sustained in an alleged racist attack, has recounted the horrifying details of his son’s final days and demanded justice for his untimely death.
Speaking to news agency PTI, Tarun Chakma, a BSF jawan currently posted in Manipur’s Tangjeng, said that Angel was “brutally attacked” with knives and blunt objects while defending his younger brother from racial slurs, including being called “Chinese” by the assailants. He emphasised that his son repeatedly told the attackers, “I am also Indian, not Chinese,” but the abuse and violence continued.
Angel, an MBA student at a private university in Dehradun, had also secured a job, according to his father. He battled for 17 days in hospital before succumbing to injuries on Friday, leaving his family devastated. Tarun Chakma stated that his son’s neck was broken during the attack, which directly led to his death.
The Attack
According to Tarun Chakma, the incident unfolded in a market area when Angel and his brother Michael were confronted by six individuals riding a motorcycle and a scooter. While Michael was standing nearby, one of the assailants pushed him to the ground after verbally abusing him. Angel, who was on his own motorcycle, rushed to defend his brother, prompting the attackers to target him directly.
Tarun described the assault as vicious, stating that Angel was struck with knives and other blunt objects, causing severe injuries to his neck and back. The father alleged that the attackers’ actions were fueled by racial prejudice, citing the repeated use of slurs calling his sons “Chinese.”
Police Response and Investigation
Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Ajai Singh provided a slightly different account, stating that the confrontation appeared to have arisen from confusion while the accused were talking among themselves. “It seemed as if someone was commenting on him (Angel),” Singh explained.
Angel was immediately taken to a hospital after being attacked with sharp objects and a ‘kadaa’. Despite medical intervention, he passed away on Friday.
The police confirmed that a complaint regarding the attack was filed on December 10, and a case was registered. Following the registration, three accused adults and two minors were arrested and detained on December 14. Authorities are continuing the investigation into the incident.
Family Demands Justice
Tarun Chakma, while mourning the loss of his son, has called for strict action against those responsible for the assault. “Angel should get justice, and those responsible for his untimely death should be punished,” he said. He expressed concern over the initial police inaction, claiming that a formal FIR was registered only after pressure from the All India Chakma Students Union and senior officers.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the Tripura and Dehradun communities, highlighting the rising concerns around racially motivated violence and safety of students from northeastern India living in other parts of the country.
Background
Angel Chakma was pursuing an MBA and had a promising career ahead. His family described him as a responsible elder brother who was defending his sibling at the time of the attack. The case has also drawn attention to racial abuse faced by students from northeastern India, who often confront discrimination and harassment in various regions.
As investigations continue, the community, family, and authorities are pressing for accountability and a swift legal process. Angel’s death underscores not only the physical violence but also the psychological toll of racial discrimination, and has prompted renewed calls for stricter protections for students from marginalized communities.
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