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“You’ve Done Enough for Us, Dad”: Anjel Chakma’s Last Dream Before Tragic Death in Dehradun
Dehradun: Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old native of Tripura, grew up moving across multiple states as his father served as a head constable in the Border Security Force (BSF). The frequent relocations shaped Anjel into a calm, adaptable, and grounded young man, family members said, giving him a mature understanding of life’s uncertainties from an early age.
Earlier this month, Anjel was brutally assaulted in Dehradun in what police described as an alleged racist attack. He was attacked by a group of six individuals, sustained critical injuries, and later died. Police arrested five accused, including two juveniles, while one suspect remains absconding. The incident sparked widespread outrage, particularly among students and residents from northeastern states, who raised concerns over racial targeting and the safety of youths studying outside their home regions.
A Son’s Pride After His First Job
Just weeks before the attack, Anjel had achieved a milestone his family had long awaited. He secured his first job through a campus placement at a French multinational company and returned home filled with plans for the future.
Soon after sharing the news, Anjel made an emotional request to his father. “You’ve done enough for us,” he told him, asking him to consider taking voluntary retirement after years of service and constant transfers. With his first salary in sight, Anjel wanted his father to finally rest.
He also began planning a more settled life for the family. Anjel spoke about seeking a posting in Guwahati or Kolkata so he could stay closer to Tripura and asked his mother to be ready to move in with him once he settled. Relatives said he wanted to shoulder family responsibilities and had promised to financially support the household, including funding his younger brother Michael’s higher education.
A Gentle Soul With Big Dreams
Anjel’s maternal uncle, Momen Chakma, recalled him as someone far more mature than his age suggested. He said Anjel understood life’s challenges deeply and was always eager to support his family. Quiet and non-confrontational, Anjel avoided disputes and preferred travelling and exploring new places whenever he had time.
That love for travel and the outdoors drew him to Uttarakhand. He admired the state’s hills and often spoke about trekking routes and mountain trails. He encouraged his younger brother, Michael, 21, to pursue higher studies in Dehradun and explore the region beyond academic life.
The brothers had planned a Chandrashila trek for December 22, after Michael’s exams. Anjel had carefully studied the route, checked the weather, and even ordered new trekking shoes for the trip. The shoes arrived at his home a day after he was attacked. They remain unpacked.
