Uttarakhand authorities have formed a Special Investigation Team to delve into the fatal stabbing of 24-year-old Anjel Chakma, an MBA student from Tripura, while firmly stating that preliminary evidence shows no racial motive behind the December 9 attack in Selaqui area. Dehradun SSP Ajay Singh explained the clash erupted from a spontaneous argument near a liquor shop involving Anjel, his brother Michael, and six young men celebrating a birthday, with no slurs like "Chinese momo" captured on CCTV or in witness accounts.

The violence escalated quickly when banter turned hostile, leading to Anjel suffering critical stab wounds to his neck, abdomen, and spine; he fought for his life in hospital for 17 days before passing on December 26, as Michael recovered from a head blow. Police describe it as a "heat-of-the-moment" brawl with no intent to kill, noting the accused group's diversity—including a Manipur native—challenges bias claims raised later by the family.

Five suspects remain in custody, with two minors in a juvenile home and three adults facing judicial remand, while police have hiked the reward for fugitive Yagyraj Awasthi, a 22-year-old Nepali national believed hiding near the border, to Rs 1 lakh and dispatched a team to Nepal. The SIT, led by SP Rural Pankaj Gairola, has seized CCTV footage and added charges like attempted murder based on new statements, with SSP Singh assuring all family allegations, including potential racism, will be thoroughly examined before a final chargesheet.

The National Human Rights Commission has stepped in, issuing notices to Dehradun's DM, SSP, state DGP, and Chief Secretary for a detailed report within days, prioritizing safety for Northeast students amid fears of discrimination echoing past incidents in Delhi and Bengaluru. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami have urged swift justice and support for the grieving family, spotlighting the urgent need for awareness campaigns against regional biases in student hubs.