A 22-year-old Gauhati University student died after being found unconscious inside a homestay near Azara, on the outskirts of Guwahati. Police have arrested 26-year-old Ashiq Ali, who was staying with her, and homestay owner Jayantasaki as investigators examine whether the death was a murder or suicide.
The student, Nimisha Thakuria, was taken to hospital after she was found in the room. Doctors later declared her dead. Police said injuries were visible on her body. A mortem examination was conducted at GMCH.
What police and the family said
DCP West Bolin Deori said the police had taken the accused into custody and were checking the account given during questioning. According to Ali, Nimisha had hanged herself from a ceiling fan. Police said they were investigating whether that claim was true.
Nimisha's father, Dipjyoti Thakuria, demanded justice and called for strict action against whoever was responsible for his daughter's death.
The family said Nimisha left home at 5 PM after telling relatives that she would spend the night at a friend's house. Around midnight, she called her mother and said that people would kill her. Her family believes someone may have taken her phone after that call.
Nimisha's parents then went to the nearby Azara police station and informed officers. The police officer responsible for the station was reportedly out on patrol at the time. The family later went with police to the hospital, where Nimisha had already died.
Account from the homestay
A caretaker told police that he heard a man shouting at night and telling someone to get up. He called 2 colleagues and went outside, but they did not find anyone at that point.
When the group later stopped near the homestay's entrance, the caretaker said he heard crying. They went towards the room and saw a young man holding a young woman whose body was on the floor. The caretaker then called the owners. They arrived, arranged an ambulance and left, according to his account.
Nimisha had booked room 10, but room 9 was vacant and was also used by the pair. Some staff members said Nimisha and Ali had stayed at the homestay before.
What happens next
Police are questioning Ali, the homestay owner, caretakers and other staff members. The investigation will examine the conflicting accounts, the distress call, the injuries reported on Nimisha's body and the circumstances in which she was found.
Conclusion
The cause and circumstances of Nimisha Thakuria's death remain under investigation. Police have arrested 2 people, recorded accounts from homestay staff and begun examining the suicide claim alongside other evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who was Nimisha Thakuria?
Nimisha Thakuria was a 22-year-old student at Gauhati University.
Q. Where was Nimisha found?
She was found unconscious in a homestay near Azara, on the outskirts of Guwahati.
Q. Who has been arrested?
Police arrested 26-year-old Ashiq Ali and homestay owner Jayantasaki.
Q. What did Nimisha tell her mother?
Her family said she called around midnight and warned that people would kill her.
Q. What is Ashiq Ali's claim?
Ali told police that Nimisha died by suicide after hanging from a ceiling fan. Police said they were checking whether that claim was true.
Q. Was a mortem conducted?
Yes. Nimisha's mortem was conducted at GMCH.
Q. What are police investigating?
Police are examining the death's circumstances, the injuries reported on Nimisha's body, the distress call and the accounts given by the accused and homestay staff.
