Racial slurs spark clash in Dehradun, young MBA student dies after knife attack

Dehradun woke to shock. A campus dream collapsed. A young life ended. And now, tough questions confront authorities — and society.

Anjel Chakma studied MBA in Dehradun. He came from Tripura with big hopes. His family took an education loan. He worked hard. He loved football. He secured a placement with a French company. He prepared for exams. Meanwhile, his parents waited for good news.

Then December 9 changed everything.

Anjel went out with his younger brother Michael. A group of six confronted them. First, the group picked a fight. Then the tone turned ugly. They hurled slurs. They called the brothers “Chinese” and “momo.” Anjel replied firmly. He said they came from Tripura. He said they were Indian. However, the taunts continued. So the brothers decided to leave.

At that moment, violence followed.

One man struck Michael on the head. Anjel stepped in. He tried to protect his brother. But the attackers carried a knife. The accused stabbed Anjel. The brothers rushed to the hospital. Doctors began treatment. For days, the family prayed. Friends visited. Teachers hoped for recovery. Yet, Anjel’s condition worsened. On December 26, he lost the fight for life.

Police moved next. Officers arrested five men. One suspect fled, and police formed teams to track him. Relatives questioned the delay in filing the FIR. They also demanded strong legal action. Meanwhile, protests erupted in Agartala. Students marched. Civil groups demanded justice. They reminded the country that racism still hurts citizens, even inside classrooms and hostels.

Leaders reacted quickly. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Dhami promised strict action. He called the crime unacceptable. Police launched more raids and announced a cash reward for leads on the absconding accused. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma condemned the attack as well. He warned against normalising racial hatred. He called for zero tolerance.

Back on campus, grief spread. The vice-chancellor remembered Anjel’s determination. Professors spoke about his discipline. Friends shared messages about his optimism. His family struggled to accept the loss. His mother now fears sending Michael back to Uttarakhand. His father blamed initial police inaction. His uncle asked courts to set an example.

The case also exposed deeper pain. Students from the Northeast still face stereotypes in many cities. Many report jokes, suspicion, and insults. Often, they ignore the abuse. Sometimes, the abuse escalates and turns violent. Therefore, administrators now discuss awareness programs. University officials plan workshops. They want classrooms to feel safer. They also seek policy support from the government.

The message from Tripura and Dehradun now sounds clear. India must treat every citizen with dignity. Communities must reject casual racism. And institutions must respond faster when hate turns into crime.

A promising student dreamed of success. Instead, prejudice cut short his journey. The investigation continues. Families wait. Campuses reflect. And the country confronts another painful reminder: identity should never invite violence — anywhere, ever.