TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A long-standing dispute between two families in New Taipei escalated into a violent confrontation on Thursday, leaving one man permanently blind after his eyes were gouged out during a physical struggle.
According to the 42-year-old suspect, surnamed Chien (簡), the conflict began over a water pipe near his home, the police stated. During the altercation, he claimed he struck his 59-year-old neighbor, surnamed Lien (連), in the head with a brick, causing him to collapse, per UDN.
In the chaos that followed, Chien said he was bitten and punctured. While trying to break free, his fingers accidentally entered Lien’s eye sockets, causing injuries that left Lien permanently blind, per CNA.
Chien later turned himself in to the authorities. Police referred the case to prosecutors on suspicion of attempted murder, and the Keelung District Prosecutors’ Office approved Chien’s release on NT$120,000 (US$3,690) bail following questioning.
Lien remains hospitalized and is currently unable to provide a statement.
Chien’s mother said tensions had escalated Thursday morning when her son discovered Lien allegedly attempting to secretly film him using the restroom. She claimed Lien had previously recorded her and her husband and alleged that Lien physically restrained her son during the latest confrontation.
She expressed regret over the violence, stating the family had endured harassment. Attempts to reach Lien’s family for comment have been unsuccessful.
The incident has drawn widespread attention in Taiwan due to the severity of the injuries.
Pain specialist Chen Wei-ta (陳韋達) emphasized the intense suffering involved, noting that the eye is among the most nerve-dense parts of the human body. Senior forensic expert Kao Ta-cheng (高大成) added that gouging out both eyes requires significant force, warning that the case serves as a troubling example for society.
Under Taiwan’s Criminal Code, attempted murder is defined in Article 25, Paragraph 1, covering acts committed with intent but not resulting in death. Sentencing falls under Article 271, Paragraph 2, which allows for reduced penalties based on the circumstances of the case.
