Dehradun: A special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the murder of 24-year-old Tripura student Anjel Chakma, who died following an alleged attack in Uttarakhand, even as Dehradun police maintained that there is no evidence suggesting the incident was racially motivated.

Anjel, a resident of Agartala, was pursuing an MBA at a private university in Uttarakhand. The attack occurred on December 9, reportedly after he objected to alleged racial slurs directed at him and his brother Michael Chakma. Anjel succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack on December 26. His post-mortem report indicated that death was caused by grievous injuries to the head and neck, inflicted with a bracelet and knife.

The initial FIR, filed on December 12 at Selaqui police station by Michael (21), detailed that the accused, who were allegedly intoxicated at the time, had used casteist slurs. Michael claimed that when they tried to ignore the insults, the assailants attacked them with a knife and a bracelet. “I was hit in the head with a bracelet. My brother intervened; he was hit in the abdomen and head with a knife,” the FIR stated.

Despite these claims, senior superintendent of police Ajay Singh reiterated on Tuesday that their investigation has so far found no evidence of racial discrimination or violence. Singh explained, “The incident was the result of an escalation of a heated argument. There was some banter among the guests. The victim’s side found certain remarks offensive, which led to a dispute. In the fight that followed, Anjel and his brother were injured. Anjel died during treatment.”

Addressing concerns over the alleged delay in FIR registration, Singh clarified that the complaint was received on December 10, and an initial inquiry was conducted before formally registering it on December 12. “It was necessary to confirm the allegations before registration,” he added. Initially, the FIR covered voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons and criminal intimidation. On December 14, based on medical summaries, charges of attempt to murder and common intention were added. Following Anjel’s death, the FIR was upgraded to include murder and provisions under the SC/ST Act.

The post-mortem report revealed that a blow inflicted with a bracelet struck the spinal/vein area in the neck, which resulted in brain death due to oxygen deprivation. The fatal injuries to the neck and head were determined to be the cause of Anjel’s death.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said that Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured him that stringent action would be taken against the accused.

To date, three individuals—Manipur resident Suraj Khwas (22), and locals Avinash Negi (25) and Sumit (25)—have been arrested. Two minors involved in the incident have been sent to a juvenile correctional home. Another accused is believed to have fled to his hometown in Nepal. In a bid to expedite his apprehension, Uttarakhand police have increased the reward for information leading to his arrest from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh.

The formation of the SIT and the hike in the reward reflect the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case amid heightened public attention and concerns from Tripura over the safety of its residents studying outside the state.

The investigation continues, with police examining all leads to ensure that justice is served in what has become a high-profile case attracting national scrutiny.