Muratara, KOTABARI.COM – A tragic story befell Tesi Desmanita (26), a housewife from Maur Baru Village, Rupit Subdistrict, Muratara Regency. Tesi became a victim of domestic violence after her husband, Rangga Saputra (36), stabbed her with a knife due to his online gambling addiction. The brutal attack left Tesi paralyzed from the waist down after sustaining a deep 16 cm stab wound.
Tesi is currently receiving intensive care at AR Bunda Hospital in Lubuklinggau, South Sumatra, for further treatment. Muratara Police Chief AKBP Koko Arianto Wardana revealed during a press conference on Tuesday (12/24/2024) that the stabbing had severely damaged Tesi’s spinal nerves, resulting in total paralysis from the waist downward.
Chronology of Events
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday (12/22/2024) at approximately 10:00 AM at the couple’s residence. According to police reports, the incident started when Rangga asked his wife for money to gamble online. When Tesi refused, citing her husband’s history of wasting money on gambling, tensions escalated.
Enraged by the refusal, Rangga, who was already armed with a knife, attacked Tesi from behind while she was sitting in the living room. The stab wound penetrated deep into her lower back, hitting her spinal cord.
Following the attack, Rangga fled to the village head’s house in Bingin Rupit for safety. However, authorities managed to apprehend him within hours, around 12:10 PM, the same day.
The Perpetrator is a Repeat Offender and Drug Positive
Police revealed that Rangga Saputra is a repeat offender with a previous conviction for robbery with violence. A urine test also confirmed that he was under the influence of narcotics at the time of the attack. The 18 cm knife used in the stabbing remained lodged in the victim’s body during the incident.
A Troubled Marriage, Fueled by Online Gambling
AKBP Koko stated that the couple’s marriage had been troubled due to frequent arguments, though no prior acts of physical violence were recorded. Rangga’s 1.5-year addiction to online slot games, which culminated in a loss of Rp 1.5 million in his last game, is believed to have been the tipping point for the attack.
Charges and Evidence
Rangga now faces charges under Article 44 Paragraph 2 of Indonesia’s Domestic Violence Eradication Act No. 23 of 2004, with a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. Authorities have also seized evidence, including the knife without a handle and the victim’s blood-stained clothes.
This heartbreaking case highlights the devastating consequences of online gambling addiction, which can destroy families and lead to tragic outcomes. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case further.