Dhami Assures Stern Action in Dehradun Racial Killing

Dehradun: A day after breaking his silence over the alleged racial killing of a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura in Dehradun, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured the victim’s father that the culprits would be dealt with sternly.

The Chief Minister spoke to the deceased’s father, Tarun Prasad Chakma, a BSF jawan, over the phone on Monday and expressed grief over the killing of his son, Angel Chakma. Dhami said the Uttarakhand government would extend all possible support to the family.

Dhami informed Tarun Prasad that five accused have already been arrested in the case, while the sixth accused, suspected to have fled to Nepal, remains absconding. He said a reward has been announced for information leading to the arrest of the absconder and efforts are under way to nab him. “I am personally pained by this incident and understand the family’s grief. The Uttarakhand government will ensure the harshest punishment for the culprits. This incident is painful for everyone, as the State has never witnessed such an atmosphere, despite thousands of students from across the country and abroad studying here,” the Chief Minister said.

Dhami also said he had spoken to Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Union home minister Amit Shah and defence minister Rajnath Singh on the issue. He added that the State government stood firmly with the victim’s family and would coordinate with the Tripura government to provide assistance.

Angel Chakma, an MBA student at a private management institute in Dehradun, was allegedly attacked by six youths on December 9 after he objected to racial slurs directed at him and his brother Michael Chakma. The incident occurred when the brothers had gone shopping at the Selaqui suburban market. Angel was rushed to a private hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries on December 25.