Guwahati: A large number of residents blocked National Highway 17 near Azara in Guwahati on Saturday to protest the death of a 22-year-old Gauhati University student whose body was found near the Azara area.
The protest disrupted traffic on the key route connecting Guwahati with the airport. Police and district administration officials reached the spot as residents continued the road blockade.
The deceased has been identified as Nimisha Thakuria, a student enrolled in a five-year integrated course at Gauhati University.
Inquest Reports Injury Marks, Police Probe Underway
The protest followed preliminary findings of a magisterial inquest, which reportedly recorded injury marks on Nimisha’s face, head, hands and private parts.
According to police, Nimisha was found unconscious near Garal PHC at around 4.30 a.m. Three men who found her reportedly took her to the health facility. She was subsequently shifted to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where doctors declared her brought dead.
Police have detained Ashiq Ali in connection with the case and are questioning him. Investigators are also examining whether Ali and Nimisha were in a relationship.
Police Examine All Possible Angles
According to initial information, Nimisha had gone out with a friend on Friday night. The two had reportedly stayed at Rudra’s Kitchen, a homestay in Dharapur, before her body was found near the Azara PHC.
Guwahati Deputy Commissioner of Police Bolin Deori said Ali had claimed that Nimisha died by suicide after hanging herself. However, police said the claim had not been accepted as established and that investigators were examining all possible angles.
“We have apprehended the accused, and he is in police custody, and we are questioning him. We have sent the body for post-mortem, and we can get more information later,” Deori said.
On the accused’s claim regarding the circumstances of Nimisha’s death, the DCP said police would verify it through investigation and would not accept any version without verification.
The post-mortem examination and further investigation are expected to establish the cause and circumstances of the student’s death.
Homestay Also Under Police Scanner
In a related development, Guwahati Police are set to examine and potentially seal the Dharapur homestay where Nimisha and the alleged boyfriend had reportedly stayed. Police said preliminary investigation found that guests may have been allowed to stay without proper documentation.
Police are examining the homestay records and the circumstances under which Nimisha and Ali stayed there. Investigators are also looking into the events leading up to the student being found unconscious.
The investigation remains underway, and the circumstances surrounding Nimisha’s death have not yet been conclusively established.