Angel Chakma Murder Case: CM Dhami Expresses Grief, Says Accused Will Face Strict Punishment

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured strict punishment for those accused in the killing of 24-year-old Tripura student Angel Chakma in Dehradun. Dhami told Angel’s father, Tarun Prasad Chakma, that the government is committed to ensuring timely justice in the case.

Angel, from Nandannagar in West Tripura district, was studying for an MBA at a private university in Dehradun and lived there with younger brother Michael. On December 9, a group of six allegedly assaulted Angel after an objection to a racial slur. Angel died from the injuries on December 26.

Angel Chakma killing case updates

So far, police have arrested five of the six accused, including two juveniles, and described the remaining suspect as the “sixth killer”. A reward of Rs 25,000 has been declared for information on that accused, who has been identified as Yagyaraj Awasthi and is suspected to have escaped to Nepal.

Pushkar Singh Dhami informed Tarun Prasad Chakma during their phone call that a police team has already been dispatched to Nepal to track down Yagyaraj Awasthi. Dhami also said that investigators are under instructions to complete their work quickly and that all evidence will be presented in court.

Dhami expressed personal sorrow while speaking to Angel’s father. "I have ordered strict action. Five accused have been arrested. We have also ordered a reward for the sixth accused. I am extremely saddened, and I can understand your pain. The accused will be strictly punished," Dhami told Tarun, adding that he also spoke with Tripura Chief Minister Manish Saha about the incident.

Legal steps and investigations in Angel Chakma killing

Tarun, who is posted with the Border Security Force (BSF) in Manipur, has alleged that "racial slurs" were hurled at his son by the accused. However, police have rejected suggestions that the case involves "racial abuse", saying the investigation so far does not support that claim.

Police have registered the case under several provisions of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for bodily harm and threats. After Angel’s death on December 26, investigators added an attempt to murder charge. Details of the sections used in the Angel Chakma killing case are set out below.

During the conversation, Dhami told Tarun that senior central leaders had been updated about the Angel Chakma killing. In Dhami’s words, he has briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the steps taken. "We stand with your entire family. This incident is... I can understand your pain. Please take care of yourself," Dhami said.

The case has drawn attention in both Uttarakhand and Tripura, with questions over campus and city safety for students from other states. With five suspects in custody, a search underway in Nepal, and BNS charges filed, authorities now focus on completing the investigation and court process for Angel’s family.