Agartala, December 30, 2025: Tripura is in mourning after the tragic death of Angel Chakma, a promising MBA student from Dehradun’s Jigyasa University, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a brutal hate crime. His killing has sparked outrage across the state and the wider Northeast, raising urgent questions about the safety of students from the region studying in other parts of India.

On December 9, Angel and his younger brother Michael Chakma had gone shopping in the Chelakui area of Dehradun when a group of intoxicated youths attacked them. The brothers were subjected to racial slurs such as “Chinese” and “Chinki.” When Angel protested, the attackers turned violent. Michael was struck on the head with an iron rod, while Angel was stabbed 17 times in the neck and abdomen.

Despite being rushed to hospital, Angel fought for 17 days before succumbing to his injuries at 4 a.m. last Friday. His death has left his family shattered and the state enraged.

Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha immediately contacted Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who assured that justice would be delivered. Uttarakhand Police have arrested five accused—Avinash Negi, Surya Rajput, Suraj Chawas, Ayush Baduni, and Sumit—while one suspect remains absconding.

Angel’s death has triggered widespread protests across Tripura, with demonstrations in every district and subdivision. Citizens are demanding exemplary punishment for the perpetrators, insisting that justice must go beyond assurances.

In a show of solidarity, Tripura’s Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy, Jail Minister Santana Chakma, and Unakoti District Magistrate Tamal Majumder visited Angel’s ancestral home in Mashmara, Janardhanpara Panchayat, under Pabiachhara constituency. They handed over ₹5 lakh in financial assistance from the Tripura government to Angel’s mother. Uttarakhand authorities have also provided an initial relief of ₹4,12,500.

Overcome with grief, Angel’s mother broke down before the ministers, saying: “What will we do with money, sir? We want the culprits to be punished severely.” The ministers assured her that all accused would be brought to justice.

While financial aid offers temporary relief, the incident underscores a deeper crisis: racial prejudice and the vulnerability of Northeast students in mainland India. Angel’s death is not just a personal tragedy but a grim reminder that justice must be enforced through strict punishment, not promises.

Tripura and the Northeast now speak in one voice: “We demand justice for Angel Chakma—now.”