He came to perform. He left with injuries to his head and face, and a story that has shaken the Northeast music world to its core.
Sikkimese rapper UNB — real name Ugen Namgyal Bhutia — was ambushed on a remote stretch of road in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley on the evening of September 21, just hours after stepping off stage at a concert in Anini. Now, two days later, police have made their first arrest — and they say they know exactly who the other attackers are.
Arunachal Pradesh Police arrested one person in connection with the alleged attack, with investigators identifying all 13 people suspected to have been involved in the incident. Nabam Tapang was arrested from Doimukh, Lower Dibang Valley SP Ringu Ngupok confirmed on September 23. More arrests are expected.
The picture of what happened that night is chilling. UNB and his team were travelling from Anini towards Roing when they were allegedly followed by two vehicles for some distance before their vehicle was intercepted at an isolated stretch, around 39 km from Roing. Think about that — a remote mountain road, no mobile connectivity, no one around. The attackers allegedly damaged the vehicle with an iron rod and assaulted UNB and his manager before fleeing after another vehicle approached the area.
UNB sustained injuries to his head and face, including swelling around one eye. The limited mobile connectivity in the area made things harder for investigators early on, but police moved quickly once they got to work.
The motive? That’s where things get complicated — and frankly, quite disturbing. Police are examining a possible professional rivalry between UNB and Arunachal Pradesh-based rapper Don Kam as a possible motive behind the attack. A rap beef that spilled off the internet and onto a dark highway — if confirmed, it would be one of the ugliest incidents in the region’s growing hip-hop scene. The exact motive has not been conclusively established, and the alleged rivalry remains part of the investigation.
The attack didn’t stay a local story for long. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang personally spoke to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu after the attack, seeking steps to ensure the safety of Sikkimese people in the state. When chief ministers are making calls over a rapper’s attack, it tells you how seriously people are taking this.
For now, with the first arrest made and all 13 alleged participants identified, investigators are expected to focus on establishing the sequence of events, the role of each accused and the motive behind the attack.
What happened to UNB on that road is not just about one artist. It’s a question about whether artists from outside Arunachal can travel, perform, and return home safely. The music should never follow you off the stage like that — especially not down a dark mountain road with iron rods and waiting hands.
