Agartala, December 30, 2025: More than three weeks after Tripura student Angel Chakma was fatally attacked in Dehradun, the Uttarakhand Police are still on the lookout for the prime accused, Yagyaraj Awasthi of Nepal’s Kanchanpur district. Despite intensifying the search and announcing a reward of Rs 25,000 for credible information, the police have not yet been able to locate him.

The investigation has taken a more serious turn, with the charges now upgraded to murder following Angel’s death on December 26. The student had been battling for his life since the December 9 assault at Selakui market, where he and his younger brother Michael were allegedly confronted by Suraj Khawas and his associates. Police reports confirm that the altercation escalated abruptly into violence, with Angel sustaining grievous injuries from knives and brass knuckles.

What began as a local crime has now drawn national institutional attention. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), taking suo motu cognisance of the killing, has questioned the Uttarakhand government on the safety framework available for students from the Northeastern states. Citing recurring concerns of vulnerability, the Commission has demanded a detailed status report from the state authorities.

An NHRC bench led by Member Priyank Kanoongo has sought updates on the action taken against the accused, the progress of the inquiry, and the measures being adopted to prevent similar incidents. It has also directed the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to prioritise the protection of Northeastern students studying in Uttarakhand.

The case has renewed scrutiny of how states address risks faced by migrant students, especially those from ethnic minority communities. Meanwhile, both the Uttarakhand and Tripura governments have announced financial assistance for the bereaved family.

Source: Inputs from IANS