Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old student from Tripura, died on December 26 after sustaining severe injuries in an alleged hate crime in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The attack occurred on December 9. Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the killing on Monday, calling it a ‘horrific hate crime’ and accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of ‘normalising’ hate.
Incident Details
Angel Chakma, who resided in Nandannagar, West Tripura district, was attacked by a group of six individuals. The assault followed Chakma’s objection to an alleged racial slur. He was undergoing treatment when he succumbed to his injuries on December 26. His brother, Michael, was also present during the incident.
Political Condemnation
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, used social media platform X to issue his strong condemnation. Gandhi stated, ‘What happened to Anjel Chakma and his brother Michael in Dehradun is a horrific hate crime.’ He argued that hate does not emerge suddenly. Gandhi asserted that hate is ‘being fed daily — especially to our youth — through toxic content and irresponsible narratives.’ He specifically linked this trend to the ‘hate-spewing leadership of the ruling BJP,’ accusing them of normalising such behaviour.
Appeal for Unity and Respect
Gandhi appealed for national unity and respect. He emphasized that India is founded on principles of respect and unity, not on fear and abuse. ‘We are a country of love and diversity,’ Gandhi stated. He urged citizens not to become ‘a dead society that looks away while fellow Indians are targeted.’ Gandhi called for national reflection, asking people to ‘confront what we are allowing our country to become.’ He concluded his message by extending thoughts to the Chakma family and the people of Tripura and the Northeast, affirming, ‘We are proud to call you our fellow Indian brothers and sisters.’
Governmental Response
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha addressed the incident on Sunday. Chief Minister Saha confirmed he had communicated with his Uttarakhand counterpart, Pushkar Singh Dhami. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami assured Saha that all individuals responsible for Chakma’s murder would face arrest. This assurance signifies ongoing police action in the case.
Student Protests for Justice
Thousands of students in Agartala, Tripura, organized a candle march on Sunday. The protest was held under the banner of the Tipra Indigenous Students’ Federation. Students demanded justice for Angel Chakma. Participants covered approximately one kilometre. The march began from the North Gate of Ujjayanta Palace, culminating in a strong call for accountability regarding Chakma’s death.