Shashi Tharoor Calls Tripura Student’s Racist Killing in Dehradun ‘A National Disgrace’

December 29, 2025

New Delhi/Dehradun: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called the racial killing of Tripura student Angel Chakma in Dehradun a “national disgrace.” Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student, succumbed to serious stab wounds on December 26, more than two weeks after the attack, which the family and police described as racial harassment.

Tharoor attacked on social media, saying: “This brutal murder in Uttarakhand is not just a tragedy—it is a national disgrace.”

The brutal killing of Aniel Chakwa in Uttarakhand is not just a tragedy—it is a national disgrace. A young man from Tripura, a proud Indian, was racially abused, dehumanized with slurs like “Chinese” and “momo,” and ultimately murdered. This was not an isolated act of violence;… pic.twitter.com/WHmA0m7Q0L

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 29, 2025

Details of the attack and arrests

The incident occurred on December 9 near a liquor shop in the Selaqui area, where the attack occurred following an argument. According to police, both the victim and the accused were drunk at the time. Angel’s father, Tarun Chakma, alleged that his son faced racial slurs like “Chinese” and “Chinese momo” when he defended his younger brother, Michael Chakma.

Police have arrested five accused—Avinash Negi, Shaurya Rajput, Suraj Khawas, Ayush Badoni, and Sumit—while the main accused, a resident of Nepal, remains at large. Tipra Motha supremo Pradyut Kishore Manikya Debbarma has announced a reward of ₹10 lakh for anyone who helps in his arrest.

Tharoor’s Message Against Racism

Tharoor condemned the attack, saying:
“This is not an isolated case of violence; it is the result of ignorance, prejudice, and a failure to recognize and respect the diversity of our society.”

He said that Northeast India is central to India’s identity and that discrimination against its people is unacceptable:
“People in the Northeast regularly face racial profiling, exclusion, and harassment. This must end.”

Tharoor appealed to institutions, the media, and society to eliminate prejudice, teach the history and culture of all Indian communities, and treat everyone with dignity. He said that justice for Angel must be served not only in the courts, but also in the conscience of the nation.