Dehradun, Uttarakhand, December 28, 2023 — The father of Anjel Chakma, a Tripura student found dead in Uttarakhand, alleges police initially refused to file a First Information Report (FIR), escalating concerns about the investigation into his son’s death.
Student’s Death Sparks Investigation, Family Alleges Police Delay
The death of Anjel Chakma, a student from Tripura, has ignited a firestorm of questions and accusations, with his family claiming authorities were slow to respond to their concerns.
- Anjel Chakma, a student from Tripura, was found dead in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
- His father claims police initially refused to register an FIR.
- Authorities suggest the death wasn’t racially motivated, attributing remarks to “jest.”
- A tribal body is seeking a trial outside of Uttarakhand.
What exactly happened to Anjel Chakma, and why are his family and advocates questioning the official narrative? The case centers on allegations of a delayed police response and potential racial bias, raising serious questions about the safety of students from Northeast India studying in Uttarakhand.
Family Claims Initial Police Resistance
According to a video statement released by his father, police in Uttarakhand were initially reluctant to file an FIR following Anjel Chakma’s death. The father’s claims, circulating widely on social media, paint a picture of frustration and a perceived lack of urgency from law enforcement. “They didn’t want to register the FIR,” he stated in the video.
Police Dispute Racial Motivation
Dehradun police, however, have offered a different account, suggesting the death was not motivated by racial animosity. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Janmejay Khanduri stated the remarks made towards Chakma were “in jest, not a racial attack,” according to reports. This explanation has been met with skepticism from Chakma’s family and advocacy groups.
Brother Details Alleged Assault
Adding another layer to the case, Anjel Chakma’s brother detailed an alleged assault prior to his death, claiming his brother was subjected to racial slurs. “They called me ‘chinki’,” he recounted, describing a hostile environment and a pattern of discrimination. The brother’s account directly contradicts the police’s assertion that the incident was not racially motivated.
Call for Trial Outside Uttarakhand
Amidst growing concerns about a fair investigation, a tribal body has formally requested that the trial be moved outside of Uttarakhand. The organization argues that a trial within the state could be compromised, given the current circumstances and the police’s initial handling of the case. They seek an impartial investigation and justice for Anjel Chakma.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Scrutiny
The investigation into Anjel Chakma’s death is ongoing, but the case has already sparked widespread public scrutiny and demands for accountability. The conflicting accounts from the family and the police, coupled with allegations of racial bias, have fueled a national conversation about the safety and well-being of students from Northeast India studying in other parts of the country.
What is the current status of the investigation?
As of December 28, 2023, the investigation is ongoing, with police maintaining the death was not racially motivated, while the family alleges a delayed response and potential bias.
