A 22-year-old Gauhati University student, Nimisha Thakuria, died after she was found in critical condition at a homestay on the outskirts of Guwahati, with police investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
According to her father, Deep Thakuria, Nimisha called her mother around 2am on Saturday and allegedly said that she had been assaulted and was injured. The family was unable to contact her after the call and later learned that she had been taken to a local health centre.
Nimisha was first taken to Garal Primary Health Centre before being referred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). Doctors at GMCH declared her dead on arrival, according to the report.
Police have detained 26-year-old Ashiq Ali, who was reportedly accompanying Nimisha, as part of the investigation.
Student Had Told Family She Would Stay at University Hostel
Nimisha’s father said she left home around 5pm on Friday and told her mother that she might spend the night at the Gauhati University hostel with friends.
According to Deep Thakuria, Nimisha again told her mother around 10pm that she planned to stay at the hostel.
The situation changed several hours later when she allegedly called her mother around 2am.
Her father said Nimisha told her mother that she had been beaten, punched in the chest and assaulted and that she was injured.
After that call, the family reportedly tried repeatedly to contact her but received no response.
Concerned about her whereabouts, the family contacted Azara police station and informed officers about the situation. Police subsequently attempted to trace her phone location.
Family Says Nimisha Had Not Mentioned the Homestay
According to her father, the family was unaware that Nimisha had gone to a homestay with Ashiq Ali.
He said she had instead told them that she would stay at the university hostel with friends.
Deep Thakuria also said Nimisha had taken around ₹2,000 two days earlier, telling the family that she planned to eat out with friends and spend the night at a friend’s hostel.
Police later informed the family that a young woman had been found at Garal Primary Health Centre and asked them to establish whether she was Nimisha.
The family was subsequently told that she would be shifted to GMCH if confirmed to be their daughter.
Police Investigate Ashiq Ali’s Account
Police said Nimisha and Ashiq had been staying at a homestay in the Dharapur-Garal area.
According to the report, Ashiq told investigators that Nimisha had hanged herself and died by suicide.
However, police have not accepted that account as established.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Balin Deuri said investigators would determine whether the account was truthful.
The authorities are examining the circumstances leading up to Nimisha being found unconscious, as well as the events that occurred inside the homestay.
The body was sent for a post-mortem examination, while CID and forensic teams reportedly inspected the room and collected evidence.
The post-mortem findings are expected to form part of the investigation into the circumstances of her death.
Homestay Verification Procedures Also Under Investigation
The circumstances surrounding the homestay have also come under police scrutiny.
Investigators reportedly found that Nimisha and Ashiq had visited the property five times during the month and were allegedly permitted to stay without proper verification.
Police said the homestay had not collected the mandatory identification documents from the pair.
The owner has been questioned, and authorities said legal action would be considered over the alleged procedural violations.
A staff member, Bipul Bailung, said the pair were staying in Room No. 10 and had ordered food at around 9.30pm.
Bailung further claimed that staff members heard cries for help and what sounded like a male voice crying around 2.30am to 3am.
According to his account, three staff members went to the room and found Nimisha lying on the floor while Ashiq was holding her and crying.
This account will also have to be examined alongside forensic findings and other evidence collected by investigators.
Protest Erupts After Student’s Death
News of Nimisha’s death prompted protests in the area, with local residents reportedly blocking a road leading towards the nearby airport and demanding a detailed investigation.
Some protesters also alleged that the incident was connected to what they described as “love jihad.”
That allegation has not been established by police based on the information provided in the report. It should therefore be distinguished from the confirmed investigative facts and treated only as a claim made by protesters.
Protesters called for those responsible, if any wrongdoing is established, to be identified and held accountable.
Investigation Continues
Nimisha’s death remains under investigation, with police examining the statements of those present, forensic evidence from the homestay and the post-mortem findings.
At this stage, the precise circumstances surrounding her death have not been conclusively established in the supplied report.
The claims made by Ashiq, the account provided by Nimisha’s family and the statements from homestay staff are among the pieces of evidence investigators will have to assess.
Nimisha’s last rites were performed on Saturday evening after her body was handed over to her family following the post-mortem examination.
The investigation is expected to determine what happened inside the homestay and whether any criminal wrongdoing contributed to the student’s death.
