The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to Dehradun district authorities regarding the alleged racially motivated killing of Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old student from Tripura. Chakma, a final-year MBA student at a private university, died on December 26 after an alleged attack on December 9 .
NHRC Directs Action and Investigation
The NHRC directed the Dehradun District Magistrate (DM) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations. The Commission has sought a detailed action taken report from these authorities, requiring submission within seven days . This report will be crucial for the Commission’s perusal of the matter.
In addition to the report, the NHRC has requested a copy of all case proceedings. These documents are to be forwarded to both the Uttarakhand Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police. This ensures high-level oversight and accountability within the state administration.
The Commission also issued a broader directive: authorities must ensure the safety of all students from India’s North Eastern region across the entire state of Uttarakhand. This measure aims to prevent similar incidents and address concerns about discrimination.
Allegations of Racial Motivation
Anjel Chakma was reportedly attacked by several youngsters with a knife and a bracelet on December 9 . He remained hospitalized for 17 days, battling severe injuries, before passing away on December 26 . His father, a BSF jawan currently posted in Tangjeng, Manipur, provided details of the alleged assault.
According to his father, the incident was triggered by racial slurs. The attackers allegedly called Anjel and his brother “Chinese” and “Chinese momo.” Anjel reportedly tried to assert his identity, stating he “was also Indian, not Chinese.” Despite this, he was brutally attacked with knives and blunt objects.
The victim’s family firmly alleges that Anjel was targeted specifically because of his racial identity. This assertion forms a central part of the complaint filed with the NHRC, highlighting the incident as racially motivated.
Human Rights Violation Concerns
The NHRC bench, presided over by member Priyank Kanoongo, took cognisance of the complaint under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The complainant alleged Anjel Chakma’s killing in Dehradun was a clear example of a racially motivated incident, occurring while he studied outside his home state.
The complaint detailed that Anjel was “targeted with racial slurs and assaulted after asserting his identity as an Indian citizen.” The NHRC noted that this incident has caused “nationwide outrage.” It also stated that the situation reflects “deep-rooted racial discrimination against people from the North-East,” alongside an alleged “failure of local authorities to prevent the violence, and lack of adequate protection mechanisms.”
The complainant further argued that the incident represents a “serious violation” of Anjel Chakma’s fundamental rights. These include his right to life, dignity, and equality. The NHRC’s intervention was sought to ensure urgent accountability and to establish systemic measures to prevent such hate-based crimes.
The NHRC stated that the allegations made in the complaint “prima facie seem to be violations of the human rights of the victim.”
Political and Public Outcry
Following the incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami engaged directly with Anjel Chakma’s father. Chief Minister Dhami publicly assured the family that strict punishment would be meted out to the accused individuals. This commitment underscores the seriousness with which the state government is addressing the issue.
Leaders across the political spectrum have also voiced their concern. They have collectively called for comprehensive efforts to eradicate “hate crimes” against individuals hailing from India’s northeastern states. The incident has intensified calls for greater protection and awareness regarding racial discrimination.