Tipra Motha founder calls Rs 25000 reward an insult to human life and announces Rs 10 lakh from personal funds for Anjel Chakma
Tipra Motha Party founder and Tripura royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma on December 29 expressed strong anger and disappointment over the Uttarakhand governments decision to announce a reward of Rs 25000 for information leading to the arrest of the main accused in the murder of Anjel Chakma. He described the move as deeply insensitive and said it reduced the value of a young mans life to an unacceptable level.
Pradyot said he was shocked when he learned about the reward amount announced by the state authorities for anjel chakma. According to him such a decision sends a dangerous message and reflects a lack of seriousness in dealing with crimes involving loss of life especially when the victim belongs to a vulnerable community.
To underline his protest Pradyot announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh from his own pocket for anyone who provides credible information that helps in the arrest of the prime accused. He said the decision was not about money but about dignity justice and respect for the life that was lost.
Anjel Chakma was a 24 year old MBA student from Unakoti district in Tripura. He had moved to Dehradun to pursue his education and build a better future for himself and his family. On December 9 his life took a tragic turn when he was allegedly attacked after he objected to racial slurs directed at his younger brother Michael Chakma.
According to reports Anjel Chakma intervened to protect his brother during an argument that quickly escalated into violence. He suffered serious injuries and fought for his life for more than two weeks. Despite medical treatment and the hopes of his family Anjel succumbed to his injuries leaving behind grieving parents siblings and friends.
Pradyot said that the pain of the family cannot be measured in money but the states response must show empathy and determination. He said fixing a low reward amount made it appear as if the system did not fully acknowledge the gravity of the crime or the suffering of the victims family.He also said that people from the Northeast often face discrimination and racial abuse in different parts of the country and cases like this deepen the sense of insecurity among students and workers who move away from home in search of education and employment.
The announcement of a higher personal reward by Pradyot was meant to send a message that justice must not be treated casually. He urged authorities to act swiftly track down the absconding accused and ensure that those responsible are punished according to the law.
The murder of Anjel Chakma has triggered widespread outrage particularly in the Northeastern states. Many students civil society groups and political leaders have voiced concern over safety and equal treatment. Candlelight marches online campaigns and public statements have called for stronger action and accountability.
So far several accused have been arrested in connection with the case. However the main suspect is believed to have fled the country adding to public frustration and anger. Pradyot said that allowing the prime accused to escape would be a failure of the system and urged law enforcement agencies to work across states and borders if required.As the case continues to unfold the focus remains on justice for Anjel Chakma and reassurance for countless young people who leave their homes with dreams and trust in the system.
