Shame on the System: After Tripura Student’s Murder, Kejriwal Demands Strong Law Against Racism

Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Monday expressed deep anguish over the killing of a student from Tripura in Dehradun, allegedly targeted because of his ethnic identity. Describing the incident as “not just a crime but a shame on the system,” Kejriwal said the country urgently needs stronger legal safeguards against racism and hate crimes.

Reacting to a media report, Kejriwal took to social media and wrote, “Shocking and heartbreaking.” He referred to a disturbing account in which the victim was reportedly heard saying he was Indian and not Chinese shortly before his death. “A young MBA student from Tripura was murdered simply because of how he looked. This is not just a crime; it is a disgrace to the system,” he said.

Kejriwal further stressed that India cannot ignore such incidents any longer. “The nation needs strict action and a national law against racism and hate crimes. Justice must be swift and exemplary so that such incidents are never repeated,” he added.

The killing has also prompted legal action at the highest level. Following the student’s death, an advocate filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court, seeking directions to tackle racial discrimination and violence faced by people from India’s northeastern states and other frontier regions.

In the PIL, the petitioner urged the apex court to recognize racial slurs as “hate speech” under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The plea also highlighted the urgent need for public awareness and sensitization regarding the use of racist language and stereotypes directed at citizens from the northeastern parts of the country.

The victim, identified as 24-year-old Angel Chakma from Nandanagar in Tripura’s Unakoti district, had been battling for life for over two weeks before succumbing to his injuries on Friday. He was undergoing treatment for severe head and back injuries at a private hospital in Dehradun.

Initially registered as a case of assault, the matter was upgraded to murder after Angel’s death. According to the police, the incident took place on December 9 near the Selakui police station area in Uttarakhand.

Investigators said that Angel and his brother, Michael Chakma, were at a roadside canteen near a liquor store when a group of intoxicated men allegedly hurled racist slurs at them. What began as a verbal altercation soon escalated into a violent clash, leaving Angel critically injured.

Angel’s family lodged a formal complaint at the Selakui police station on December 10, following which a special investigation team was constituted to probe the case. Despite prolonged medical treatment, Angel eventually died from his injuries, prompting police to add murder charges.

So far, five accused have been arrested in connection with the case. Two of them, being minors, have been sent to a juvenile correction home. The other arrested individuals have been identified as Avnish Negi, Shaurya Rajput, Suraj Khwas, Sumit, and Ayush Baroni.

One suspect is still absconding, and police believe he may have fled to Nepal. A special team has been dispatched across the border to trace him, and authorities have announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for any information leading to his arrest.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of students from northeastern states living and studying in other parts of India. Civil society groups and political leaders have demanded immediate policy intervention to curb racism and ensure accountability.

Authorities have assured that the investigation will be thorough and that all those involved will be brought to justice. Meanwhile, the case has become a stark reminder of the urgent need to address racism and protect vulnerable communities across the country.