‘Chinki, Chinese and Momo’: How racial slurs led to a fatal attack on Tripura student Anjel Chakma in Dehradun

A 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura died at a Dehradun hospital on Friday after fighting for his life for over two weeks following a stabbing allegedly triggered by racial abuse.

Anjel Chakma was attacked on December 9 in the Selaqui area of Dehradun while he was out buying groceries with his younger brother. According to friends, he never fully regained consciousness during his 14-day hospitalisation.

What happened?

According to a police complaint filed by his younger brother, Michael Chakma (21), the two were allegedly stopped by a group of six men who hurled racial slurs at them, calling them “Chinki”, “Chinese” and “Momo”. One of the accused reportedly mocked them, saying, “Oye Chinese, have you come to buy pork?”

As per news agency PTI, the 24-year-old suffered blows to his head and back with a sharp object and a kadaa (bracelet) following a quarrel involving five to six people near a canteen. Michael later told police that his brother responded calmly but firmly, saying, “We are not Chinese… We are Indians. What certificate should we show to prove that?”

Police said the situation quickly escalated. When Michael objected to the slurs, he was allegedly struck on the head with a bracelet. As the assault continued, Anjel intervened to protect his younger brother. During the attack, he was allegedly stabbed on the head and back by the main accused, Yagya Awasthi, after which he collapsed.

Michael rushed his brother to a nearby hospital. He remained in critical condition and never regained full consciousness.

A case was registered on December 12 based on Michael Chakma’s complaint under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to voluntarily causing hurt, use of dangerous weapons and criminal intimidation. On December 14, after doctors flagged the seriousness of the injuries, police added charges of attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy.

What police has done till now?

Five of the six accused, including two juveniles, were arrested on 14 December. The main accused, Yagya Awasthi, is absconding.

Police said Awasthi is suspected to have fled to Nepal. “Two police teams have been dispatched to track him down and nab him, and a reward of Rs 25,000 has been announced,” said senior sub-inspector Kumar.

After Anjel Chakma died on Friday, police upgraded the case again, adding sections for murder and committing a crime with common intention.

The accused have been identified as Avinash Negi, 25; Suraj Khwas, 21; Sumit Kumar, 25; Shaurya, 18; Ayush Badoni, 18; and Yagya Awasthi. All are residents of Selaqui. Police said the group had gathered in the area to celebrate the first birthday of Khwas’s son.

Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma has announced a Rs 10 lakh cash reward on information that will lead to the arrest of the main accused in the Anjel Chakma murder case.

“I heard that the Uttarakhand government has declared Rs 25,000 on information leading to the arrest of the mastermind in the Anjel Chakma murder case. Is this the price for arresting the mastermind in the killing of Anjel Chakma, a final year student of MBA? I declare Rs 10 lakh to one who provides clues leading to the arrest of the person who had murdered Anjel Chakma. The amount will be paid from my own pocket. Don’t make fun of us”, Debbarma said in a video post.

Meanwhile, Tipra Motha Party (TMP)-run Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) on Monday announced a compensation of Rs 3 lakh to the family members of the deceased.

“As recommended by Bubagra (king) Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, chairman, ADC Administrative Reforms Committee (AARC), has decided to grant a financial compensation of Rs 3 lakh to the family of late Anjel Chakma to support his final rites," TTAADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Purna Chandra Jamatia wrote on Facebook.