Protesters seek justice for Anjel Chakma

Dehradun: Anjel Chakma, 24, a native of Tripura, had grown up across several states as his father served as a BSF head constable, moving from one posting to another. Family members said the frequent relocations shaped his childhood and made him adaptable, grounded, and aware of life's uncertainties from an early age.

He was known to be calm, friendly, and non-confrontational, rarely getting into arguments or disputes. Earlier this month, Anjel was assaulted in Dehradun in what police have described as an alleged racist attack. He was attacked by a group of six individuals and sustained critical injuries, following which he died. Police arrested five of the accused, including two juveniles, while one accused remained absconding at the time.

The incident triggered outrage among students and people from the northeastern states, who said the attack highlighted concerns over racial targeting and safety of youths from the region living and studying outside their home states.

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About a month ago, Anjel crossed a milestone the family had long waited for. After securing his first job through a campus placement at a French MNC, he returned home with plans already forming.

Soon after sharing the news, he told his father that it was time to rest. "You've done enough for us," he said, asking him to opt for the voluntary retirement scheme after years of service and constant movement.With his first salary in sight, Anjel began planning a more settled future for the family. He spoke about seeking a posting in Guwahati or Kolkata so he could remain closer to Tripura and asked his mother to be ready to move in with him once he settled.

Relatives said he wanted to take on responsibility at home and had told them he would support the family financially, including funding his younger brother Michael's higher studies to ease the burden on his father.Anjel's maternal uncle, Momen Chakma, who had watched him grow up, said the young man's experiences across different states had made him mature beyond his years. "He understood life's challenges very well and always wanted to support the family," he said.

"He never got into fights or brawls and preferred travelling and visiting new places whenever he got time."It was that interest in travel and the outdoors that drew Anjel to Uttarakhand. He admired the state's hill terrain and spoke often about trekking routes and mountain trails. He persuaded Michael, 21, to pursue higher studies from Dehradun and encouraged him to explore the region beyond classrooms and hostels.The brothers had planned a Chandrashila trek on Dec 22, after Michael's examinations were to end. Anjel had discussed the route, checked the weather, and ordered new trekking shoes for the trip, looking forward to spending time together in the mountains he admired. The trekking shoes arrived at his house a day after he was attacked. They still remain unpacked.