Guwahati, September 27: A 22-year-old Gauhati University student was found dead under mysterious circumstances in the Dharapur-Azara area on Saturday, prompting a police investigation, the sealing of a local homestay, and protests by residents and students.
The deceased has been identified as Nimisha Thakuria, a resident of Dharapur who was pursuing a five-year integrated course (Sociology) at Gauhati University. She was found unconscious near Garal Primary Health Centre around 4.30 am on Saturday. Three men who discovered her took her to the health centre, from where she was referred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). Doctors there declared her brought dead.
Police have detained Ashiq Ali (also referred to as Asif/Aashique/Ashik Ali in reports), a 26-year-old resident of Garigaon, in connection with the case. Ali, who was reportedly in a relationship with Nimisha and had stayed with her at the premises, told investigators that she died by suicide after hanging herself from a ceiling fan. Guwahati West Deputy Commissioner of Police Bolin Deori said police would not accept this account without thorough verification and were examining all aspects of the incident.
“According to him (Ali), she hanged herself on the ceiling fan and died from self-harm,” Deori told reporters. “We will investigate whether it is true or false.” Police have noted injury marks on the body. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination. Investigators have seized the homestay’s registration book, CCTV footage and Nimisha’s mobile phone.
The property involved is Rudra’s Kitchen, a homestay in the Garchuk-Dharapur/Garal area. Preliminary information indicates Nimisha had gone out with Ali on Friday night and the two had stayed there. Police said the pair had visited the homestay around five times in a month. Authorities are examining whether guests were allowed to stay without proper documentation. The homestay has been sealed as part of the probe, and police have indicated that staff or others connected to it may also face action if required. Another individual has also been questioned in some reports.
Nimisha’s family has given a different account of the hours leading up to her death. According to her father, Deepjyoti (or Deep) Thakuria, she left home on Friday evening after telling the family she was going out to meet friends or stay at a friend’s hostel. Around 2 am, she called her mother in distress. Family members have stated that she said words to the effect of “Maa, they are kicking me in the chest. I cannot breathe” or “They will kill me, Mom,” with other voices audible in the background before the call disconnected and her phone was switched off. The family informed Azara police, who later learned of her admission at the health facility.
Locals and students staged protests in the Dharapur-Azara area on Saturday, demanding strict action. Some protesters blocked National Highway 17 leading towards the airport.
Police have described the death as under investigation and have not established the cause. Further details are expected after the post-mortem report and continued questioning of those connected to the case.