Tripura Student’s Last Stand Against Racism in Dehradun — ‘We Are Indians, Not Chinese’

December 28, 2025

Uttarakhand: Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old student from Tripura, who was seriously injured in an alleged racial attack in Dehradun two weeks ago, died while undergoing treatment at a hospital. The incident has raised serious questions about the safety of Northeastern students studying in Uttarakhand.

Police have now added the murder charge to the case and intensified the investigation.

Attack for saying “We are not Chinese, we are Indians”—Eyewitness

The incident occurred on the night of December 9th in a canteen, where Angel and his younger brother, Michael Chakma, were present. Five or six other young men were also sitting there drinking alcohol.

According to the report, the youths sitting on the other side began making racist remarks about the Chakma brothers’ appearance.

Angel protested, saying:

“We’re not Chinese… we’re Indians. What certificate do we need to show?”

The situation then suddenly escalated, and the accused attacked Angel.
He was repeatedly hit with sharp-edged weapons and a stick.

When Michael tried to intervene, he was also attacked.

The attack was so brutal that Angel collapsed on the spot, seriously injured, and bleeding profusely.

17 days of struggle, even doctors couldn’t save him

Angel was immediately admitted to a private hospital and underwent several surgeries.
For approximately 17 days, doctors tried to save his life, but his condition continued to deteriorate.

According to the family, while conscious, Angel repeatedly asked, “What was our fault? Why did they kill us?”

Finally, he breathed his last late at night on December 28th.

CCTV footage reveals conspiracy, five accused arrested

Following the incident, an FIR was initially filed against unknown accused based on the family’s complaint.

But the police identified the accused using CCTV footage and eyewitnesses.

According to Dehradun SSP Ajay Singh, the names of the arrested accused:

 Accused | Age | Status

Suraj Khawas | 22 | Sent to Jail
Abhinav Negi | 25 | Sent to Jail
Sumit | 25 | Sent to Jail
Two minors | — | Sent to Reform Home

After Angel’s death, the police have furthered the case by adding Section 302 (murder).

A case of racism, students angry

Northeastern student organizations and human rights activists are calling it blatant racist violence.

A student leader said:

“We are called outsiders in our own country.
Angel was murdered simply because her face looked different.

The family has demanded from the government:

A trial in a fast-track court
Strict punishment for the culprits
Financial assistance to the family.

Increasing incidents of violence against people from the Northeast

Young people from the Northeastern states in India often face discrimination, taunts, and physical violence.

Some previously reported incidents:

The murder of Nido Tania in Delhi in 2014

Several attacks during COVID-19, calling it the “Chinese virus,”

Experts say, “They are still considered ‘foreigners’ based on their appearance, language, and culture.”

A family’s dream shattered

Angel Chakma was the eldest in his family and wanted to improve his family’s financial situation by studying.

Now the family says:

“His dreams were drowned in his blood. We just want justice.”

Preparations have been made to transport his body to Tripura, where the last rites will be performed.

Police say:

A charge sheet will be filed expeditiously

Coordination will be done with the Tripura government

Security will be increased in Dehradun colleges