Man Convicted of Murdering Partner After ‘Violent and Vicious Attack’

A man has been found guilty of murder following a brutal assault on his partner, despite his subsequent assertion that her injuries resulted from an accidental fall while intoxicated. Raj Sidpara, aged 50, assaulted Tarnjeet Riaz at his residence in Leicester on 6 May, after they had both attended a party. Ms Riaz, also identified by her maiden name Chagger, sustained numerous broken ribs and severe facial injuries. While Sidpara had confessed to manslaughter and disputed any intent to kill Ms Riaz, he was ultimately convicted of murder on Friday at Leicester Crown Court. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Sidpara asserted he had alcohol dependency, which is a recognized medical condition. Nevertheless, Leicestershire Police stated that this assertion was refuted. The police force indicated that they had tracked the couple’s activities in the period leading up to the discovery of Ms Riaz’s death. Following a gathering at a location on Lewisher Road in Leicester, the two returned to Tarbat Road, where they continued consuming alcohol and interacting with individuals from an adjacent residence. Witnesses informed law enforcement officials that they had overheard a dispute, thought to be between Ms Riaz and Sidpara, around 01:00 BST. The precise time of Ms Riaz’s attack remained undetermined, but by the point an ambulance was summoned approximately 12 hours after the street argument, she had already passed away. In the course of the trial, the jury was informed that Ms Riaz sustained broken ribs, contusions to her chest and face, and lacerations to her lips. Police reported that forensic investigators discovered a pair of Sidpara’s trainers, thought to have been worn during the “violent and vicious attack,” which bore bloodstains on their soles and upper surfaces. The police force indicated that the injuries and bruising observed on Ms Riaz’s face were consistent with her having been kicked and stamped upon. Balrag Chagger, Ms Riaz’s brother, stated in a police-issued declaration that his sister was “unrecognisable” when he was required to identify her. He expressed that his family would never reconcile with the loss of Ms Riaz, whom they affectionately called Taz, and that her demise had “scarred” them. Mr Chagger remarked, “When she died, a part of us died, too.” He continued, “She was the soul of our family, bringing warmth and light into every moment. Now, her absence has left only darkness.” He further commented: “We have been left with no real answers about what happened and why. Raj has never fully owned up to what he has done and has put us through the pain of having to listen to the evidence in court. There was no emotion and no remorse from Raj for his actions. To think my sister was in a relationship with this monstrous man and to think how he had treated her – all Taz ever wanted was to be loved.” Sidpara’s sentencing is scheduled to take place at Leicester Crown Court on 29 November. For updates, follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story submissions can be sent to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.