A UK court has sentenced Raj Sidpara, a 50-year-old Indian-origin man from Leicester, to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Tarnjeet Riaz, also known as Tarnjeet Chagger. Sidpara must serve a minimum of 21 years before being eligible for parole, as confirmed by Leicestershire Police.
The crime, described as a case of severe domestic abuse, took place on May 6 at Sidpara’s home in the East Midlands. Emergency services found Tarnjeet, 44, unresponsive with extensive facial trauma, multiple rib fractures, and bleeding on the brain. Despite Sidpara admitting to manslaughter, he denied intending to kill her. The court, however, concluded he carried out a “savage and merciless” attack, involving punching, kicking, and stamping on the victim.
Judge William Harbage criticized Sidpara for his lack of remorse and refusal to explain his actions. Sidpara, diagnosed with alcohol dependence syndrome, had a criminal history of 24 convictions for 46 offenses, including threats to kill and harassment of previous partners.
Leicestershire Police emphasized the importance of addressing domestic abuse and marked the sentencing during their support of “White Ribbon Day,” a global initiative against violence toward women and girls. Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Emma Matts highlighted the complexities of domestic abuse, urging victims to seek help before it is too late.
“Tarnjeet was killed by someone she trusted, someone who should have protected her, not someone she feared,” said Matts. “While the perpetrator is now behind bars, her family is left grappling with unanswered questions and profound grief.”
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