Amid nationwide outrage over the killing of a Tripura student in Dehradun, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday rejected claims that the assault was a racially motivated attack.
Responding to growing criticism and protests, the Chief Minister said such incidents “never happen” in the state and denied that the crime had any racial angle. “Such disgusting incidents have never occurred in Uttarakhand. The people of Devbhoomi have always welcomed and accepted people from across the country,” Dhami said.
His remarks came after the death of 24-year-old Tripura student Anjel Chakma, who succumbed to severe injuries days after being assaulted in Dehradun. The incident had sparked widespread anger, with political leaders and civil society groups calling it a case of racial violence and demanding strict action.
Dehradun Racial Attack: How the attack took place?
The attack occurred on December 9 near a roadside canteen in the Selakui police station area. Police said Angel and his brother, Michael Chakma, were subjected to racially abusive remarks by a group of men. When the brothers protested, the situation escalated, culminating in a physical assault during which Angel was struck with a sharp-edged weapon and a metal kada.
Senior Superintendent of Police Ajai Singh noted that the accused were under the influence of alcohol, and the confrontation spiralled out of control within minutes. Anjel collapsed at the spot and was rushed to Graphic Era Hospital, where he remained under treatment for over 17 days before succumbing to his injuries.
