What Did Uttarakhand CM Dhami Promise After Tripura Student's Killing?
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Dehradun, Dec 29 (NationPress) In the wake of escalating fury over the murder of a student from Tripura in Dehradun, which his family claims was a racially motivated assault, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached out to the victim's father, Tarun Prasad Chakma, on Monday. He conveyed his profound sorrow over the tragedy and assured strict action against the perpetrators.
The deceased, Angel Chakma, aged 24, hailing from the Unakoti district of Tripura, had a confrontation with Suraj Khawas (22), a resident of Manipur currently residing in Dehradun, and five of his associates at the Selakui market on December 9.
Reports indicate that the accused assaulted Angel using knives and brass knuckles, resulting in his hospitalization, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on December 26.
Tarun Chakma, who is on duty in Manipur with the Border Security Force (BSF), claimed that racial epithets were directed at his son during the attack.
He stated that the assailants referred to Angel as 'Chinese' prior to the assault.
Chief Minister Dhami expressed his condolences regarding the murder, noting that five suspects have been apprehended so far. He mentioned that another suspect is believed to have fled to Nepal, and measures are being taken to locate him.
A reward has been announced for tips leading to the suspect's capture.
Dhami assured Tarun Chakma that he personally empathizes with the family's anguish. He committed that the Uttarakhand government will ensure the offenders face severe punishment, as indicated in a statement from the Chief Minister's office.
The Chief Minister remarked that Uttarakhand has never experienced such an atmosphere, highlighting that students from across India and beyond come to the state for education.
He characterized the incident as troubling for everyone and emphasized the government's resolve to take decisive action in similar cases.
Dhami has also consulted with Tripura's Chief Minister Manik Saha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding the matter.
The Chief Minister reiterated the state government's unwavering support for the victim's family and assured ongoing communication with the Tripura Chief Minister to facilitate all necessary assistance. Additionally, he mentioned that the Uttarakhand government will extend every possible help to the family.
Meanwhile, law enforcement has declared a reward of Rs 25,000 for information about the only remaining fugitive accused, a resident of Nepal, and a team has been dispatched to the neighboring country. Five others, including two minors, have already been detained.
Tarun Chakma reported that the attackers used various racial slurs against Angel.
According to police, five of the six individuals allegedly involved in the December 9 incident have been arrested, while Yagyaraj Awasthi, from Nepal's Kanchanpur district, is still at large.
Based on a complaint filed by Michael Chakma on December 12, police registered a case under sections 115(2), 118, and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for causing bodily harm and criminal intimidation, initiating an investigation.
Following Angel's medical report, Section 109 of the BNS, concerning attempted murder, was added to the case, leading to the arrest of five suspects on the same day, including two minors.
After Angel's death, police amended the charges to include sections 103(1) for murder and 3(5) for joint liability under the BNS.
In addition to Suraj Khawas, the apprehended individuals have been identified as Avinash Negi (25) and Sumit (25).
Angel Chakma was pursuing a final-year MBA at a university in Dehradun.