Dehradun: The murder case of Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, has now entered a critical phase. The Uttarakhand Police have filed a 649-page chargesheet against four accused, but the main accused, Yagya Raj Awasthi, remains absconding. This fact has raised serious legal questions about the strength of the prosecution.
Angel Chakma, a resident of Nandanagar in Tripura’s Unakoti district, was attacked on December 9, 2025, in Dehradun after a dispute with some youths. He suffered severe head and body injuries and died on December 26 after battling for life for 17 days in hospital. The incident sparked outrage in Dehradun, Tripura, and across northeastern states.
Accused in the case
Police registered a case against five people. Those named include:
Avinash Negi (25), resident of Sahaspur, Dehradun
Suraj Khawas (18), originally from Manipur, living in Patel Nagar, Dehradun
Sumit (25), resident of Tilwari, Dehradun
Two minors sent to a juvenile home
Yagya Raj Awasthi (22), resident of Kanchanpur, Nepal, identified as the main attacker, remains absconding
Investigation and chargesheet
Police arrested three accused and detained two minors. The chargesheet was prepared using electronic evidence, call records, eyewitness accounts, and physical evidence. It links all five accused to the attack and alleged conspiracy. However, the absence of the main accused has become a major challenge.
Police sources say efforts are ongoing to arrest Awasthi. A reward of Rs 1 lakh has been announced, and notices have been issued, including lookout and Blue Corner notices. Preparations are underway for a Red Corner Notice to involve international agencies.
Legal experts’ view
Criminal lawyer Mohammad Kasif explained that the case is sensitive and controversial. Since the main accused is absconding, the prosecution’s position appears weak. The court will closely examine who directly attacked Angel and how the link between the attack and death can be proven.
Advocate Mohammad Qasim added that if the chargesheet shows the absconding accused as the main attacker, the defense may argue that the arrested accused had limited roles. Unless common intent or conspiracy is clearly proven under IPC sections 302, 34, and 120B, co-accused may seek bail.
Police’s stance
SSP Pramod Dobal said the investigation is not incomplete. The STF is deployed along the Nepal border, and technical surveillance is being used. Police claim the arrested accused were not mere bystanders but actively participated in planning and execution.
Case may proceed strongly despite the main accused’s absence
The court will now decide the next steps. If the prosecution proves common intent and conspiracy, the case may proceed strongly despite the main accused’s absence. Otherwise, defense arguments could weaken the case. All eyes remain on the trial, which will determine justice for Angel Chakma.