Rapper UNB assaulted in Arunachal Pradesh

Sikkimese rapper Ugen Namgyal Bhutia, known professionally as UNB, and his manager, Deep Dhar, were allegedly assaulted in the Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh. The incident occurred on Monday evening near Tiwari Gaon while the pair were returning from the Anini Winter Festival 5.0.

According to reports, two vehicles with Assam registration plates allegedly followed the rapper’s car for approximately one hour before intercepting them on an isolated stretch of road. A group of eight to ten men reportedly used rods to vandalize the vehicle and attack the victims. UNB sustained injuries to his head and face, including swelling around one eye, while Dhar suffered a nose injury. The attackers reportedly fled when they saw an approaching truck.

The Arunachal Pradesh Police have established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. Investigators face challenges due to the remote location, a lack of eyewitnesses, and poor mobile connectivity in the area. A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita involving charges of wrongful restraint, voluntarily causing hurt, and criminal intimidation.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has contacted Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu to request intervention regarding the rapper's safety.