A 22-year-old student from Guwahati was found dead in a homestay room. Her boyfriend has been arrested. The case has sparked widespread outrage and protests in parts of Assam.
The student has been identified as Nimisha Thakuria. She was a sociology student and a resident of Dalalpur in Guwahati. Her boyfriend, Asif Ali, 26, is now in police custody. Police suspect this is a murder, not a suicide — as Asif has claimed.
What Happened?
According to the initial police investigation, Nimisha left her home around 5 PM on Friday, September 25. She told her family she was going to a friend’s place for a meal. Around 10 PM, she spoke to her mother on the phone and said she would stay at her friend’s place if it got too late.
Everything seemed normal.
But around 2 AM, everything changed. Nimisha called her mother, crying.
A family friend, Gautam Das, told the media that Nimisha kept saying on the call — “Mom, they will kill me.” Then the call was cut. Her phone may have been snatched.
Her parents panicked. They rushed to the nearby police station and filed a complaint. At the same time, police received information from a medical centre that a girl had been brought in critical condition.
Nimisha was first taken to a local medical centre, then referred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). Around 5 AM, when her family reached the hospital, doctors declared her dead.
What Was Heard at the Homestay?
The incident took place at a homestay in Garal, on the outskirts of Guwahati. Police received information during the night itself.
The homestay’s cook and caretaker, Bipul Bailung, said he heard a man shouting during the night. He was shouting — “Bhaiya, get up, get up!” Bailung called his colleague, and they went out to check, but saw no one. Then they saw police lights in the distance.
What the Arrested Boyfriend Claims
After his arrest, Asif Ali claimed that Nimisha had died by suicide.
But police are not buying it. Bolin Deori, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Guwahati West, said: “We do not believe his claim. The investigation is at a preliminary stage, and we suspect murder.”
Police also revealed that no blood stains were found on the body or the floor.
The post-mortem report is still awaited. But the victim’s father has alleged that his daughter was first gang-raped, tortured, and then murdered. He said the marks on her body showed signs of torture.
What Asif’s Family Says
Asif Ali’s family is economically weak. They work as daily wagers. Asif himself worked as a painter and also drove for Rapido.
Asif’s mother said in an interview that she knew her son had been in a relationship with a Hindu girl for about five years. But she was against the relationship because of the religious difference. She said: “The girl came to our home once during Eid. I told her that she is Hindu and we are Muslim, this relationship will not work.”
But the mother also said something important. She stated: “If my son is guilty, he should be punished.” She also asked police to investigate whether anyone else was involved.
Why Did This Case Spark Protests?
Nimisha was Hindu. Asif is Muslim. This religious difference quickly made the case political.
Some right-wing organisations began protesting, calling it a case of “Love Jihad.” They blocked roads and demanded strict punishment for the accused.
“Love Jihad” is a conspiracy theory promoted by right-wing Hindu groups. It claims that Muslim men trap Hindu women through romantic relationships in order to convert them.
What Have Police Found So Far?
Police are questioning the homestay owner, caretaker, and other staff. Some reports suggest the homestay may have had operational irregularities, such as not registering guests.
Besides Asif Ali, police have detained four other people, including those associated with the homestay.
Nimisha’s mobile phone has been recovered. Police are analysing its data. Her last phone call and the exact time her phone was taken are the most crucial leads in the investigation.
What Happens Next?
The case is currently in the preliminary stage of investigation. The post-mortem report is pending. Asif Ali is in police custody. Police are trying to piece together what happened between 2 AM and 5 AM that night.
Nimisha’s family has demanded strict punishment for the accused. Asif’s family has said that if he is guilty, he should be punished. Both sides are waiting for the truth.
We will continue to track further updates in this case.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. It is based on reports from multiple news sources. The investigation is ongoing. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Please verify all details with official sources.
