The tragic death of a 24-year-old man from Tripura, following a brutal assault in Dehradun, has ignited widespread anger and brought concerns over racial targeting and the safety of youths from India's northeastern states back into sharp focus.
A Life Shaped by Movement, Cut Short by Violence
Anjel Chakma, a native of Tripura, had a childhood defined by constant movement. As the son of a BSF head constable, he grew up across several states, adapting to new environments with each of his father's postings. Family members recall that these frequent relocations made him grounded, adaptable, and acutely aware of life's uncertainties from a young age. Described as calm, friendly, and non-confrontational, Anjel was known to rarely engage in arguments or disputes.
Earlier this month, this life of promise was violently cut short. Anjel was assaulted in Dehradun in what police have described as an alleged racist attack. He was attacked by a group of six individuals, sustaining critical injuries that later led to his death. Law enforcement officials have arrested five of the accused, including two juveniles, while one suspect remains absconding.
Dreams of a Settled Future, Unfulfilled
About a month before the attack, Anjel had achieved a significant milestone that brought immense joy to his family. He secured his first job through campus placement at a French multinational corporation. With his first salary in sight, he immediately began planning a more stable future for his parents.
He returned home and told his father, "You've done enough for us," urging him to opt for the voluntary retirement scheme after years of service and constant movement. Anjel spoke of seeking a posting in Guwahati or Kolkata to remain closer to Tripura and asked his mother to be ready to move in with him once he settled. Relatives said he was eager to take on financial responsibility, including funding the higher education of his younger brother, Michael, to ease the burden on his father.
His maternal uncle, Momen Chakma, noted that Anjel's pan-India upbringing had made him mature beyond his years. "He understood life's challenges very well and always wanted to support the family," he said, adding that Anjel preferred travelling and visiting new places over conflicts.
Outrage and Unanswered Questions
The incident has triggered outrage among student communities and people from the northeastern states. Many have stated that the attack highlights persistent concerns over racial profiling and the safety of youths from the region who live and study outside their home states.
Anjel's love for travel and the outdoors had drawn him to Uttarakhand. He admired the state's hill terrain and often discussed trekking routes. He had even persuaded his 21-year-old brother Michael to pursue studies in Dehradun, encouraging him to explore the region. The brothers had planned a Chandrashila trek for December 22, after Michael's exams. Anjel had meticulously discussed the route, checked the weather, and ordered new trekking shoes.
In a heartbreaking twist, the trekking shoes arrived at his home a day after he was attacked. They remain unpacked, a silent testament to a future journey that will never be taken and a life full of potential, brutally extinguished.
