UK: Raj Sidpara, an Indian-origin man in the UK, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years for the murder of his partner, Tarnjeet Riaz, also known as Tarnjeet Chagger. This ruling followed a trial at Leicester Crown Court last week.

Tarnjeet, who had been in a relationship with Sidpara for five months, was discovered deceased at his home on Tarbat Road, Thurnby Lodge, on May 6. Emergency services found her with severe facial injuries and multiple broken ribs, but she had already passed away.

During the trial, Sidpara admitted to causing the injuries but denied having the intention to kill or seriously harm Tarnjeet. Despite his defense, the court convicted him of murder.

The sentencing aligns with Leicestershire Police's backing of the global White Ribbon Day campaign, which focuses on combating violence against women and girls. This year’s campaign highlights the need to challenge men's behaviors and attitudes towards women.

Detective Inspector Emma Matts, who led the investigation, strongly condemned the crime, saying, "Tarnjeet was killed by someone she was in a relationship with—a person who should have been there to support and protect her, not someone she feared would attack her so violently."

She also acknowledged the complexity of domestic abuse, noting that victims are often reluctant to seek help due to fear or shame: “Domestic abuse is complicated, and victims often hesitate to disclose the abuse to family, friends, or even the police. However, it is crucial for anyone suffering to seek support before the situation worsens.”

Matts emphasized the availability of resources, including Leicestershire Police’s domestic abuse team and other local and national organizations providing assistance.

The tragic loss of Tarnjeet has left her family in deep sorrow, and Detective Matts recognized the lasting impact on those close to her.