Miss India Tripura 2017 Rinky Chakma dies at 29 due to breast cancer

Rinky Chakma Pic/Instagram

Femina Miss India Tripura 2017, Rinky Chakma, who was battling cancer, died at the age of 29. She was diagnosed with Malignant Phyllodes Tumor (breast cancer) in 2022 following which she underwent surgery. Her cancer metastasized to her lungs and later progressed to her head, leading to a brain tumor.

Rinky underwent chemotherapy for the same but her health deteriorated and she was admitted to Max Hospital Saket last week. She was placed on a ventilator in the ICU. She lost the battle against cancer and breathed her last.

Her close friend and Femina Miss India 2017 runner-up, Priyanka Kumari shared medical reports of the pageant holder as a means of crowdfunding for her treatment, days before she was admitted.

She wrote, "We are raising funds for our friend Rinky Chakma, who has been battling cancer for the past two years. She had breast cancer initially, underwent surgery, but it later metastasised into her lungs and brain. Unfortunately, her health deteriorated, and she was unable to sustain chemotherapy, so she was discharged until her health restores. As of now, she is on a ventilator in the ICU, and we need to raise funds for her treatment."

The official Instagram handle of Miss India also shared a post to pay tribute. It stated, "With profound sadness, we share the news of the passing of Rinky Chakma, Femina Miss India Tripura 2017. A remarkable woman, Rinky was truly a force to be reckoned with, embodying grace and purpose. Representing Tripura at the Femina Miss India 2017 pageant, she was honored with the title of Miss Beauty with a Purpose, a testament to her impactful endeavors and compassionate spirit. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends during this difficult time. May her soul find eternal peace. Rinky, your legacy of purpose and beauty will forever be remembered. You will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing you."

Besides winning the crown, Rinky won sub-titles during the pageant too. These included Miss Congeniality and Beauty With a Purpose. It was the same year Manushi Chhillar won the title of Miss World.