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| Police investigate the circumstances surrounding a university student's death at a homestay in Guwahati. |
Guwahati: The death of Nimisha, a sociology student at Gauhati University, at a homestay in the Azara area of Guwahati has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to her family's account, she called her mother shortly before she was found unconscious and reportedly said that someone had assaulted her and punched her in the chest. However, the young man who was staying with her allegedly told the police that she had died by suicide. Investigators are examining these conflicting accounts to establish what happened.
Student Found Unconscious at Homestay
According to the information provided in the reports, Nimisha, a resident of Dharapur, had been staying at Rudra's Kitchen Homestay in the Azara area since September 20. She was reportedly found unconscious at the property on September 25 and was taken to Garal Primary Health Centre before being referred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where doctors declared her dead.
The circumstances leading to her condition remain under investigation. Police have collected information about the incident and are examining evidence to determine the cause of death.
Family Recalls Her Final Phone Call
Nimisha's father, Deep Thakuria, said that his daughter left home at around 5 pm on the day of the incident. She reportedly told her mother that she might spend the night at the Gauhati University hostel with friends. At approximately 10 pm, she again informed her family that she would be staying there.
According to the family, Nimisha called her mother again at around 2 am. During that conversation, she allegedly said that someone had assaulted her and punched her in the chest, leaving her injured. The family said it subsequently tried repeatedly to contact her but received no response.
Concerned about her whereabouts, the family contacted Azara Police Station and requested assistance in locating her. They were later informed that a young woman had been found at Garal Primary Health Centre and were asked to confirm whether she was Nimisha.
Her father also said that she had not informed the family that she planned to stay at a homestay. Instead, she had reportedly said she would spend the night with friends at the university hostel.
Police Investigate the Accused's Account
Police detained 26-year-old Asik Ali, who was reportedly staying with Nimisha, in connection with the investigation. According to the information provided in the reports, Ali claimed that Nimisha had died by suicide.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Balin Deuri said investigators would determine whether the claim was true through the investigation. Police have not treated the accused's statement as conclusive and are examining the available evidence before reaching a conclusion.
Nimisha's body was sent for a post-mortem examination. Investigators are also examining other evidence connected with the incident. A team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and forensic specialists reportedly inspected the homestay room as part of the inquiry.
The exact cause and circumstances of Nimisha's death have not been established in the information available.
Family of the Accused Speaks About Their Relationship
Asik Ali's father, Asik Ali Sr., told the media that his son and Nimisha had reportedly been in a relationship for approximately five years. He also claimed that Nimisha had contacted his son on the day of the incident and asked him to accompany her.
Ali's mother said that Nimisha had visited their home once during Eid. She added that her son worked as a painter and sometimes drove for Rapido to earn money.
Ali's mother also expressed her desire for justice for Nimisha. She said that if her son were found guilty, he should face punishment under the law. Her statement emphasized that the investigation should establish responsibility based on evidence.
Police are examining the nature of the relationship and the events preceding Nimisha's death. Investigators have not publicly established that the relationship itself was connected to the cause of death.
Homestay Employee Describes the Incident
A homestay employee, identified as Bipul Bylung, reportedly said that Nimisha and Ali had occupied Room No. 10 and ordered food at around 9:30 pm.
According to Bylung, employees later heard cries for help and the sound of a man crying at approximately 2:30–3 am. He said that three employees went to the room and found Nimisha lying on the floor, while Ali was holding her hand and crying.
This account forms part of the information surrounding the incident. Investigators will need to assess the employee's statement alongside other witness accounts, forensic findings and medical evidence to establish the sequence of events.
Questions Raised Over Homestay Verification Procedures
Police are also examining whether the homestay followed the required procedures for verifying the identities of its guests. According to the reports, Nimisha and Ali had visited the property several times during the month.
Investigators reportedly found concerns about whether the establishment had properly collected and verified their identity documents. The homestay's owner has been questioned, and police have indicated that appropriate legal action may follow if violations are established.
The inquiry into the property's verification practices has raised broader questions about compliance with guest-registration requirements and the responsibilities of accommodation providers. Any determination of legal liability, however, will depend on the findings of the investigation.
Local Residents Demand a Thorough Investigation
News of Nimisha's death prompted local residents to stage a protest and demand a fair and comprehensive investigation. Some protesters made allegations linking the incident to what they described as “love jihad.”
These claims remain allegations and should not be treated as established facts. The investigation must determine the circumstances of the death through evidence rather than assumptions about the individuals involved or their relationship.
Protesters called for those responsible to be identified and held accountable under the law. The case has generated public concern, while the police continue to investigate the competing accounts of what happened.
Investigation Continues as Family Awaits Answers
The post-mortem findings, forensic evidence, witness statements and details of the final phone call may prove important in determining the circumstances of Nimisha's death. Investigators are examining the accused's account alongside the family's allegations and the statements of homestay employees.
At this stage, the available information does not establish the precise cause of death or determine who, if anyone, was responsible. The claims made by the accused, the family and other witnesses must be distinguished from conclusions supported by verified evidence.
The investigation remains crucial to establishing the facts and ensuring that any person found responsible is dealt with according to law.
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