The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the death of **24-year-old Angel Chakma** (also known as Angel Chakma) of Unakoti district of Tripura. He was a final year MBA student and died of injuries on **25/26 December, 2025** following the attack on **9 December** at Selaqui market in Dehradun.

Chakma and his younger brother Michael were allegedly attacked by six men, including Suraj Khawas (from Manipur, who lives in Dehradun) after an argument. The victim’s father, BSF jawan Tarun Chakma, alleged that racial remarks (calling them “Chinese”) triggered the violence, in which the attackers used knives and sharp objects (including brass knuckles). However, the initial police investigation found no evidence of a racial motive.

A bench headed by NHRC member **Priyank Kanungo** has issued notice to the District Magistrate and SSP of Dehradun and sought an action taken report within seven days. The Commission has directed the Chief Secretary and DGP of Uttarakhand to give priority to the safety of students from the North-East across the state, including taking measures to prevent reoccurrence of such incidents.

Uttarakhand Police has arrested **five accused** (including Avinash Negi, Sumit and two minors); The sixth accused Yagyaraj Awasthi (resident of Kanchanpur, Nepal) is still absconding and has a reward of ** Rs 25,000 **. The charges under the Indian Judicial Code include murder (103(1)), joint responsibility (3(5)), and earlier sections for causing hurt and intimidation.

The incident sparked protests in Tripura and anger over the safety of students from the north-east. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured justice and provided initial financial assistance of Rs 4.12 lakh to the family under Prevention of Atrocities Acts.