The murder of Tripura student Angel Chakma in Dehradun has taken a new turn, with police stating that there is no proof to support claims that the incident was driven by racial hatred.

Speaking on Monday, investigating officer PD Bhatt said the allegations made by Chakma’s family regarding the use of racial slurs have not been substantiated so far. 

“At present, we have not found any evidence linking the incident to racism. There is no factual basis for such claims,” Bhatt said.

According to the police, Angel Chakma and his brother Michael Chakma had gone to purchase liquor from a shop in Dehradun’s Selaqui area on the night of the incident. An altercation reportedly broke out between them and a group of local youths, which later escalated into violence. “The argument intensified between both sides, eventually leading to Chakma’s death,” the officer added.

Five individuals, including two minors, have been arrested in connection with the case. Police said another accused, believed to be a Nepali national, is currently on the run. Authorities have launched a search operation and claim teams have been sent to Nepal to trace him.

“We are actively searching for the absconding accused. He will be arrested soon,” Bhatt said.

Investigators are still trying to establish who inflicted the fatal stab wounds. During questioning, the arrested suspects told police that the absconding accused was responsible for the stabbing. However, officials said clarity will only emerge after his arrest.

Earlier, Angel Chakma’s family alleged that the attackers hurled racial slurs at him, reportedly calling him ‘Chinki’, ‘Chinese’ and ‘Momo’.

Angel Chakma, a resident of Nandanagar in Tripura’s Debram Thakur Para, was allegedly assaulted with sharp weapons during the confrontation on December 9. He sustained severe injuries and died on December 26 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Dehradun.