JAIPUR: Senior Rajasthan Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot on Monday said the killing of Tripura student Anjel Chakma in Dehradun reflected a "disturbing rise" in hate in the country, and called for strict punishment for the culprits.

The student, Anjel Chakma (24), from Unakoti district of Tripura, was attacked by a group of six people when he objected to racial slurs hurled at him and his younger brother by them on December 9.

Chakma succumbed to his injuries at the hospital on December 26.

Uttarakhand Police said preliminary medical reports show that Chakma suffered fatal spinal and head injuries in the assault.

In a post on X, Gehlot said the incident reflected a "disturbing rise" in hate and intolerance in the country.

"The incident is heart-wrenching and a deep wound to the nation's social fabric. Increasing anger and hatred in the name of religion, region and identity is weakening the spirit of unity in diversity," the former chief minister said.

"Such incidents force us to question the direction in which the country is heading. We speak of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family), but such behaviour towards our brothers and sisters from the northeast is unacceptable," he said.