Tripura CM Manik Saha to raise Angel Chakma killing with Uttarakhand CM in Delhi, seeking fast-track investigation. The alleged racially motivated murder sparked nationwide outrage, protests across Northeast India, and demands for strict punishment and a CBI probe.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday said he would once again take up the issue of the killing of Tripura student Angel Chakma with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami during an upcoming meeting in New Delhi, pressing for a faster and more transparent investigation into the case that has sparked nationwide outrage.
Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA final-year student from Tripura, was brutally assaulted in Dehradun in what the family and several civil society groups have alleged to be a racially motivated attack. After battling for life for 18 days, Angel succumbed to his injuries on December 26, turning the incident into a flashpoint for discussions on racial violence, student safety, and accountability.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Manik Saha visited Angel Chakma’s family at their residence in Nandan Nagar on the outskirts of Agartala. During the visit, he met the grieving parents and other family members, offering condolences and assuring them of full support from the Tripura government.
Later, in a post on his official X handle, the Chief Minister stated that he had personally conveyed his sympathy to the family and reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring justice. He also confirmed that he would take up the matter directly with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to ensure that the investigation is expedited and brought to a logical conclusion at the earliest.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, Saha said he would be travelling to the national capital on January 18 to attend a two-day meeting of Chief Ministers scheduled for January 19 and 20. On the sidelines of the meeting, he plans to hold discussions with his Uttarakhand counterpart regarding the progress of the investigation into Angel Chakma’s killing.
The Tripura Chief Minister revealed that Chief Minister Dhami had earlier informed him that five of the accused in the case have already been arrested, while a financial reward has been announced to apprehend the sixth accused, who remains absconding. Saha added that since the day of the incident, he has been in constant communication with the Uttarakhand government to monitor developments in the case.
According to information shared by the Tripura government, the incident occurred on December 9 in Dehradun. Angel Chakma was attacked after he intervened to protect his younger brother, Michael Chakma, who was allegedly assaulted first by a group of attackers. When Angel stepped in to defend his brother, he was brutally beaten, leading to severe injuries that ultimately proved fatal.
In response to the tragedy, the Tripura government has already provided an ex gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh to Angel’s family and is considering additional assistance. The Uttarakhand government has also extended financial support of Rs 4.12 lakh to the bereaved family. In addition, the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) has announced financial aid of Rs 3 lakh.
Despite these measures, Angel Chakma’s family has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident, expressing concerns over impartiality and the pace of the investigation. The demand for a CBI inquiry has received support from various political leaders, student groups, and civil society organisations across the Northeast.
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The killing has triggered widespread protests and condemnation across all eight northeastern states. Several Chief Ministers and leaders from major political parties, including the BJP, Congress, Tipra Motha Party, and Left parties, have called for strict punishment for those responsible. Candlelight marches, torch rallies, and protest demonstrations were held in Agartala and other locations to express solidarity with the victim’s family and demand justice.
Meanwhile, senior BJP leader from Uttarakhand and former Rajya Sabha member Tarun Vijay recently visited Angel Chakma’s family in Tripura. Strongly condemning the incident, Vijay demanded exemplary punishment for the perpetrators to deter similar crimes in the future. He also acknowledged that Chief Minister Manik Saha has been in continuous dialogue with the Uttarakhand government regarding the case.
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Tarun Vijay further suggested that Angel’s younger brother, Michael Chakma, be provided a government job in Tripura to ensure long-term financial security for the family. He also proposed the creation of a special Northeast cell within the Uttarakhand Police to handle cases related to racial abuse, discrimination, and violence against students from the region.
As the case continues to draw national attention, all eyes are now on the upcoming Delhi meeting between the two Chief Ministers, which is expected to play a crucial role in determining the next course of action and restoring faith in the justice delivery system.
