New Delhi, Dec 30 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of the murder of Anjel Chakma, a student from Tripura who was fatally attacked in Dehradun earlier this month, NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said on Tuesday.
In a post on X, Kanoongo said a notice has been issued to the Uttarakhand government seeking a detailed report on the action taken so far. He added that the state’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police have been directed to ensure, on priority, the safety of students from the Northeast residing across Uttarakhand.
“I have taken cognisance of the murder of a student from Tripura in Dehradun. Notice has been issued to the State Government seeking a report on action taken so far. The Chief Secretary and DGP have been directed to ensure, on highest priority, the safety of students from the Northeast across the state,” Kanoongo said.
Anjel Chakma, an MBA student, was attacked by a group of assailants armed with knives and blunt objects in Dehradun on December 9. He later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at a hospital.
The killing has triggered widespread outrage, with political leaders across parties condemning the incident and calling for swift justice. According to police, five of the six accused have been arrested, including two minors who have been sent to a juvenile reform home. The sixth accused, a Nepalese national, remains absconding, and a reward of Rs 25,000 has been announced for information leading to his arrest.
The Uttarakhand government has assured that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the perpetrators face the strictest punishment under the law and to enhance security for students from the Northeast.
However, the incident has also sparked political sparring. The opposition accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments at the Centre and in Uttarakhand of fostering an atmosphere of “hatred” that allegedly led to the crime.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi described the killing as a “horrific hate crime” and accused the BJP of “normalising hate” through divisive narratives.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, meanwhile, emphasised the need to ensure the safety and protection of people from India’s Northeast region, calling the incident deeply disturbing.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has approved financial assistance for Anjel Chakma’s family. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the first instalment of Rs 4.12 lakh has been released under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.