Leicester, U.K. — A Leicester man who claimed his partner died due to a drunken fall after they attended a party together was convicted of her murder. Raj Sidpara, 50, faced the Leicester Crown Court for the brutal killing of Tarnjeet Riaz, who was found dead from severe injuries at his residence on May 6.
Tarnjeet Riaz, also known by her maiden name Chagger, had been celebrating with Sidpara before they returned to his home in the early hours. There, the evening took a tragic turn. Riaz suffered extensive injuries, including multiple broken ribs and significant facial damage, described by the authorities as resulting from a violent assault.
Initially, Sidpara confessed to manslaughter, denying he had the intention to kill Riaz. However, the jury found the evidence sufficient to convict him of murder. Throughout the trial, it was revealed that Sidpara alleged to struggle with alcohol dependency, but investigations discredited his claims, painting a darker picture of his actions that night.
Police investigations revealed that after leaving a gathering on Lewisher Road, the couple continued their evening at Sidpara’s Tarbat Road home, drinking and interacting with neighbors. Around 1 a.m., a dispute erupted, audible to witnesses, marking the beginning of the tragic events.
Hours passed before emergency services were alerted and arrived to discover Riaz had succumbed to her injuries. An examination by forensics detailed the brutal nature of the assault; a pair of Sidpara’s trainers, both blood-stained, were found and identified as being worn during the attack. Experts suggested the pattern and location of the injuries indicated Riaz had been kicked and stamped on.
The emotional impact on Riaz’s family was profound. Her brother, Balrag Chagger, shared the heartbreak of identifying his sister’s significantly disfigured body. “When she died, a part of us died, too,” Chagger expressed, describing his sister as the family’s soul, whose presence was deeply missed. The trial forced the family to relive the gruesome details, with Sidpara showing no visible remorse, compounding their grief.
Chagger’s statement highlighted a poignant void, “We have been left with no real answers about what happened and why.” He lamented not only the loss but also the nature of the relationship his sister endured, marked by her desire for love and the monstrous reality of Sidpara’s actions.
Sidpara awaits his sentencing scheduled for November 29 at Leicester Crown Court, where the full consequences of his actions will be determined.
This tragic case brings to light the severe implications of domestic violence and the often-hidden turmoil within relationships that can, unfortunately, end in tragedy. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and support for those experiencing domestic abuse.