Guwahati: A 24-year-old Chakma student from Tripura, identified as Angel Chakma, passed away on December 26 after more than two weeks in critical condition following a knife attack in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
The incident has raised widespread concern over the safety of students from the Northeast in other parts of India.
Angel, an MBA student, was allegedly attacked along with his brother on December 9 after confronting a group of assailants over racial slurs.
According to his younger brother, Michael Chakma, the attackers, reportedly intoxicated, hurled racial abuse at them, calling them “Nepali,” “Chinese,” “Chinki,” and “momos,” before stabbing Angel multiple times.
He was immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Graphic Era Hospital in Dehradun, where he remained under critical care until his death early on December 26, despite continuous medical intervention.
Police have arrested five individuals in connection with the case: Avinash Negi, Shaurya Rajput, Suraj Khawas, Ayush Badoni, and Sumit.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities still searching for the prime suspect.
Angel Chakma hailed from Debrampara in Agartala and Pecharthal in North Tripura, where his extended family resides.
His father is a Border Security Force constable currently posted in Manipur. Angel’s body will be flown to Agartala and then taken to Debrampara and Pecharthal for the last rites.
The family has demanded strict punishment for all involved, calling for swift justice.
The killing has drawn strong condemnation from political leaders and student organisations.
Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Debbarma expressed grief, noting that while the world celebrated Christmas, Tripura and the Chakma community mourned Angel’s death.
Chakma student groups described the attack as a serious failure of law and order and urged a transparent, time-bound investigation, noting that the prime accused remains at large.