Telangana: BRS working president KT Rama Rao demands stricter laws against "racism" after Chakma's death

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], January 1 (ANI): Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao, on Thursday, condemned Tripura student Anjel Chakma's brutal killing in Dehradun, and urged for "tough laws against racism and tougher implementation."
Rao expressed his guilt and condolences for Chakma's death, adding that "we all should hang our heads in collective shame that a citizen of ours was treated this way."
Reflecting on India's pluralistic principles, Rao told ANI, "It's a truly sad reflection for a great country like ours, which is known for unity in diversity. If today in our country, our own citizens are facing racial discrimination, and the northeasterners are still facing racist slurs, it's a matter of shame."
Calling racism "a crime against humanity", Rao further emphasised the need for stringent legislation to ensure citizens' safety and security.
"I appeal to the union government to put stricter laws in place that not only punish the guilty but also ensure that such incidents never repeat. We need tough laws and tougher implementation, that's the only solution for a crime based on bigotry," said Rao.
Earlier, 24-year-old MBA student Anjel Chakma was attacked by a group of miscreants with knives and other blunt objects in Dehradun on December 9 and later died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.
This incident has sparked widespread outrage across the political fraternity, with leaders condemning the incident and demanding swift justice. Five of the accused have already been arrested, including two minors sent to a juvenile reform home, while the sixth accused, a Nepalese national, remains at large with a reward of Rs 25,000 announced for his capture.
Rao also demanded that the Telangana State government discuss the Irrigation projects in Friday's assembly session.
He further extended his wishes for the New Year 2026, hoping it would be a better year, "democratically," for citizens, the government, and the opposition alike.
"I hope this will be a good year where you will see governments functioning democratically, opposition raising its voice and fighting for the people's cause. I hope this year, the farmers of the country are happy, and this year gives wisdom to political parties and the government to serve people the way they are expected to," Rao emphasised. (ANI)