A candlelight march in Dehradun has reignited calls for justice after the alleged assault and death of Tripura student Anjel Chakma, with students and residents demanding accountability, safety for migrants, and swift action from authorities.
Members of various students’ organisations, civil society groups, and local residents gathered at Gandhi Park in Dehradun on Monday evening to protest the alleged assault and subsequent death of Anjel Chakma, a student from Tripura.
Holding candles and placards, participants observed a moment of silence before raising slogans demanding justice and institutional accountability.
The march was organised as a peaceful demonstration of grief and solidarity, drawing students from across educational institutions in the city.
Protesters said the incident has deeply shaken students from the Northeast and other states who have come to Dehradun in search of education and opportunity. “This is not just about one student. It is about safety, dignity, and the right to study without fear,” a student protester said.
According to participants, the march aimed to pressure authorities to ensure a transparent investigation and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Several student groups submitted memoranda demanding strict punishment for those responsible, improved safety mechanisms, and regular monitoring of student welfare, particularly for those living away from home.
What We Know About the Incident So Far
Anjel Chakma, a resident of Tripura, was studying in Dehradun when the alleged assault occurred. While details surrounding the incident are still emerging, students and activists allege that the attack led to severe injuries, resulting in Chakma’s death.
The circumstances have sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning whether timely medical attention and police intervention were provided.
Uttarakhand Police officials have confirmed that a case has been registered and that an investigation is underway. “We are examining all aspects of the case and will take action based on evidence,” a senior police officer said, assuring protesters that no angle would be ignored.
Authorities have also stated that statements from witnesses are being recorded and that post-mortem reports will be crucial in establishing the sequence of events.
However, students expressed scepticism, citing past cases where investigations allegedly moved slowly or failed to bring closure to grieving families. “We have heard assurances before. What we want now is visible, time-bound action,” said a member of a student union that participated in the march.
Fear and Anger Among Students From Outside States
The incident has reignited conversations around the vulnerability of students who migrate for education, particularly those from the Northeast. Many protesters said Chakma’s death has triggered fear among students living in hostels or rented accommodations, far away from their families and support systems.
“Students from the Northeast often face isolation, stereotyping, and lack of institutional support. When violence occurs, it reinforces a sense of insecurity,” said a student activist. Participants emphasised that the protest was not directed against any community but against systemic gaps that allow such incidents to occur.
Parents of students studying in Dehradun have also expressed anxiety, with some reportedly considering bringing their children back home temporarily. Student groups warned that unless safety concerns are addressed, educational hubs risk losing trust among aspiring students from marginalised and distant regions.
A Pattern That Raises Deeper Questions
Activists and rights groups attending the march pointed out that the case reflects a broader pattern of alleged violence and neglect faced by students across Indian cities.
While many states attract young people for education, support systems for mental health, conflict resolution, and emergency response often remain weak.
Speakers at the protest highlighted the need for better coordination between educational institutions, local administrations, and law enforcement agencies. They called for mandatory student safety cells, helplines in multiple languages, and regular sensitisation programmes to address discrimination and bias.
“Justice should not require protests. It should be automatic,” said a local resident who joined the march in solidarity. Several participants stressed that peaceful demonstrations are often the only way for marginalised voices to be heard.
Authorities Respond, But Trust Deficit Persists
While police and district officials have reiterated their commitment to a fair investigation, the protest underscored a persistent trust deficit between students and authorities. Demonstrators urged the administration to share updates transparently and involve independent oversight if necessary.
Some student organisations also demanded compensation for the family and long-term measures to ensure student safety, rather than reactive responses after tragedies. “Assurances are important, but structural reform is essential,” a protest organiser said.
Officials, however, appealed for calm, stating that spreading unverified information could hamper the investigation. They urged citizens to allow due process to unfold while promising strict action if wrongdoing is established.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The death of Anjel Chakma is not just a tragic loss of a young life but a reminder of the responsibility society holds towards students who leave their homes with hope and ambition.
Justice must be swift, transparent, and compassionate-not only to honour Chakma’s memory but to restore faith among thousands of students living away from their families.
At a time when education hubs pride themselves on inclusivity and opportunity, safety cannot remain an afterthought. True progress lies in dialogue, empathy, and accountability, where institutions act before lives are lost, not after protests erupt.
