Dehradun, December 28, 2025 – In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage over racial discrimination and violence, 24-year-old Angel Chakma, a student from Tripura, succumbed to injuries sustained in an alleged attack at a Dehradun canteen over two weeks ago. His family and friends have recounted his final words, which highlighted the pain of being targeted for his ethnicity.

The attack took place on December 9, when Angel and his brother Michael Chakma were at a canteen located near a liquor shop in Dehradun. A quarrel broke out with a group of five to six individuals, identified by police as Suraj Khwas (22), Avinash Negi (25), and Sumit (25), along with two others, during which racial slurs were reportedly hurled at Angel. According to witnesses, Angel responded to the remarks calmly but firmly, stating, “We are not Chinese… We are Indians. What certificate should we show to prove that?”

Following this defiance, the attackers allegedly responded with brutal violence. Angel was reportedly assaulted with a sharp-edged weapon and a kadaa (metal bracelet), leaving him critically injured. He was rushed to a private hospital, where he underwent treatment for 17 days. Despite medical efforts, he passed away on Friday, December 27.

The gravity of the incident prompted the Dehradun Police to upgrade the case from assault to murder. Authorities confirmed that five individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack, while another accused, reportedly from Nepal, may have fled to his home country. The arrested include the three named adults and two minors, who have been sent to a correctional facility.

Dehradun SSP Ajai Singh detailed the circumstances leading to the attack. According to the police, both groups were present at the canteen and appeared to be engaged in a heated discussion. “It seemed as if someone was commenting on him (Angel),” Singh said. A fight then erupted, escalating into a violent assault on Angel, who sustained severe injuries.

The Chakma family filed a complaint with the authorities on December 10, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and a detailed investigation. Police reviewed CCTV footage and gathered statements from witnesses in the surrounding area. “The police made every effort and worked diligently. CCTV footage was reviewed, and information was gathered from people in the surrounding area. Four or five names then came to light,” an official said.

Following the investigation, arrests were made promptly. The three adult accused—Avinash Negi, Suraj Khwas, and Sumit—have been sent to judicial custody, while the two minors were sent to juvenile correctional homes. Authorities confirmed the addition of murder charges to the FIR following Angel’s death.

The incident has sparked concern over the treatment of northeastern students and residents in other parts of India. Angel Chakma’s final words, a defiant assertion of his Indian identity in the face of racist abuse, have drawn attention to the broader societal issue of discrimination faced by people from the northeast.

Human rights and student groups have condemned the attack, calling for stringent action against the perpetrators and stronger measures to ensure the safety of students from minority communities in educational institutions across the country. The case has highlighted the urgent need for awareness, sensitivity, and legal safeguards against racially motivated violence.

Authorities in Dehradun have assured the public that the investigation will continue thoroughly and that all legal measures will be taken to bring justice for Angel Chakma and his family. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by students from the northeastern states while studying or living outside their home regions, and it underscores the importance of promoting tolerance, understanding, and protection of minority communities in all public spaces.

The community and educational institutions in the region are mourning the loss of Angel Chakma, while local authorities have been urged to implement safety protocols and awareness programs to prevent such incidents in the future. His death has sparked renewed debate on racial discrimination in India and has prompted calls for societal and institutional reforms to safeguard marginalized groups.

Angel’s family, friends, and fellow students remember him as a bright and determined individual who, in his final moments, stood up against prejudice. His last words have since resonated widely, symbolizing not just the personal tragedy he endured, but also the larger struggle against racial intolerance.

Police continue to monitor the investigation closely, coordinating with local authorities and community representatives to ensure the prompt and fair trial of the accused. As the case unfolds, it is expected to draw attention to issues of racial violence, campus safety, and minority rights, with civil society pushing for policy reforms to prevent recurrence.

The incident has also sparked nationwide discussions on inclusivity and national identity, emphasizing that students and citizens from all corners of India must be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their ethnicity or region of origin. Angel Chakma’s final assertion—“We are Indians”—has become a rallying cry for those advocating for equality, justice, and an end to racial prejudice.

Authorities and social organizations have urged students to report incidents of discrimination and violence and have called upon educational institutions to establish robust grievance redressal mechanisms. In addition, campaigns to promote cultural sensitivity, unity, and respect for diversity are being recommended to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The community continues to mourn Angel’s untimely death, even as legal proceedings against the accused move forward. His story stands as a sobering reminder of the dangers of racial intolerance and the imperative for collective action to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, irrespective of their ethnic background.