Arunachal Pradesh Police have arrested one person in connection with the alleged assault on Sikkimese rapper Ugen Namgyal Bhutia, popularly known as UNB, while investigators have identified all 13 people suspected to have been involved in the incident.
Lower Dibang Valley Superintendent of Police Ringu Ngupok said Nabam Tapang was arrested from Doimukh in Papum Pare district. The police officer said Tapang was the first person arrested in the case and that further arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.
The incident took place on the evening of September 21, when UNB and members of his team were travelling towards Roing after performing at a festival in Anini. According to police and accounts from the rapper’s team, two vehicles allegedly followed their car for nearly an hour before intercepting it near Tiwari Gaon in Lower Dibang Valley.
Police said a group of around eight to 10 men allegedly attacked the vehicle with iron rods and assaulted UNB and his manager. The rapper suffered injuries to his head and face, including swelling around one eye. The attackers reportedly fled after another vehicle approached the area.
The remote location and poor mobile connectivity initially made it difficult for the team to report the incident and for investigators to gather information. Police subsequently examined the area and alerted check gates while working to identify those involved.
The motive behind the attack is still under investigation. Police are examining a possible professional rivalry between UNB and an Arunachal Pradesh-based rapper, Don Kam. However, officials have not conclusively established that the alleged rivalry was the reason for the assault.
The case has attracted attention in both Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang spoke with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu following the incident and sought steps to ensure the safety of Sikkimese people in the state.
With one arrest made and 13 alleged participants identified, the investigation is now focused on establishing the sequence of events, determining the individual roles of those suspected and establishing the exact motive behind the attack.