Uttarakhand CM Breaks Silence on Angel Chakma Murder

Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government on Sunday broke its silence 19 days after the fatal attack on Angel Chakma, a native of Tripura, who died at a hospital in Dehradun on Christmas Day. The 24-year-old MBA student, son of a BSF jawan, was allegedly attacked by a group of local youths after he questioned them over racial remarks directed at him and his brother, Machel Chakma.

The incident occurred on December 9 in the Selakui area, where Angel had gone shopping with his brother. Dehradun police registered an FIR on December 12 based on Machel Chakma’s complaint, leading to the arrest of five accused, while one remains absconding.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said those involved would not be spared and that such incidents would not be tolerated. He said five accused have been arrested, including two minors who were sent to a juvenile reformation home. A reward of ₹25,000 has been announced for the absconding accused, and police teams are conducting raids, including efforts to trace him in Nepal, as he is reportedly of Nepali origin.

The Chief Minister instructed Dehradun police to arrest the remaining accused at the earliest and expressed condolences to the bereaved family, assuring that the government is committed to the safety of every citizen in the state.

Dehradun SSP Ajai Singh said the victim was attacked by six youths after objecting to racial and casteist comments. He said the case was initially registered as an assault, but murder charges were added following Angel’s death due to severe head and neck injuries. Five accused have been jailed, and efforts are underway to apprehend the sixth.

According to the FIR, Angel questioned the accused over their racial slurs, which provoked the attack using knives and rods. He was rushed to a private hospital, but later succumbed to his injuries. His father, posted in the Northeast, and other family members later took the body to their hometown for last rites.