Itanagar, May 2: The Yupia District and Sessions Court has sentenced 28-year-old Riya Tabing to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹1,00,000 for attempting to murder Likha Nem in a machete attack that nearly severed her hand in 2021.

The incident took place on January 24, 2021, at BPL Colony, Lekhi, under Nirjuli police station. Nem had accompanied her cousin to the accused’s rented accommodation to mediate a dispute. According to the case, Tabing armed himself with a dao from a neighbour’s house, hid nearby, and after chasing the cousin who managed to escape, attacked Nem near a roadside shop. He struck her repeatedly, leaving her with grievous injuries, fractures, and heavy blood loss. She was rushed to Tago Memorial Hospital, later shifted to TRIHMS, Naharlagun, and eventually referred to Guwahati for multiple surgeries.

The victim’s brother lodged an FIR at Nirjuli Police Station. Sub-inspector Surendra Singh initiated the investigation and arrested the accused, while Sub-inspector Sushant Saurabh Jha filed the charge sheet under relevant IPC sections. During trial, the prosecution examined 12 witnesses, including the victim, eyewitnesses, and medical officers. The court found their testimonies consistent and corroborated by medical and material evidence, rejecting the defence’s claim of self-defence as an afterthought.

District and Sessions Judge Dr Hirendra Kashyap ruled that the repeated assault with a sharp-edged weapon demonstrated clear intent to kill, describing the attack as premeditated and unprovoked. Tabing was convicted under IPC Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 326 (causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapon).

Additional Public Prosecutor N Bakhang led the prosecution, citing eyewitness accounts, medical reports, and recovery of the dao used in the attack. The victim continues to undergo treatment and rehabilitation for lasting physical and psychological trauma.

The court informed the convict of his right to appeal before the Gauhati High Court.