Agartala/Dehradun, Dec 29: Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman on Monday announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for anyone who can assist the police in arresting the absconding accused involved in the brutal killing of Tripura student Angel Chakma in Dehradun. Expressing strong dissatisfaction over the pace of the investigation, Debbarman questioned the seriousness of the efforts to bring the remaining culprit to justice.
Reacting sharply to the Uttarakhand government’s announcement of a Rs 25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the fugitive, Debbarman said, “Is this the price of Angel’s life?” He alleged that such a low reward undermines the gravity of the crime and sends a wrong message, particularly when the victim belonged to an indigenous community.
Urging the authorities not to trivialise the issue, Debbarman said he would personally pay Rs 10 lakh from his own pocket to anyone who voluntarily comes forward with credible information that helps the police apprehend the absconding accused. He also cautioned against treating the incident lightly, stating that justice must be delivered without bias or delay.
Meanwhile, an ADGP of Uttarakhand Police reiterated that a detailed investigation is underway. Five accused have already been arrested in connection with the case, while one assailant remains at large. Police said a manhunt has been launched to track down the fugitive.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha and former Chief Minister and current West Tripura Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb have both spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, demanding the strictest possible action against all those involved in the crime.
Angel Chakma and his younger brother Michael were attacked on December 9 following a heated altercation with a group of assailants. Michael sustained serious head injuries, while Angel was brutally stabbed. After battling for life for over two weeks, Angel succumbed to his injuries on December 26 at a hospital in Uttarakhand.
Eyewitnesses and family members described the incident as a hate crime, alleging that racial slurs were hurled at the brothers during the assault. The killing has triggered widespread outrage, with student organisations and rights bodies holding protest marches in Tripura and Uttarakhand. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma also condemned the attack and demanded justice for Angel Chakma.
