The Guwahati student death case has taken a new turn after a youth allegedly present with Gauhati University student Nimisha Thakuria and Ashik Ali at a Dharapur homestay was reported missing, according to reports. Police are examining the circumstances surrounding his disappearance as they investigate Nimisha’s death.
Nimisha, a 22-year-old Sociology student, was found unconscious at a homestay in the Dharapur-Garal area early on September 26. She was taken to Garal Primary Health Centre and later shifted to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where doctors declared her brought dead.
Guwahati student death case enters a new phase
The Guwahati student death case centres on events at the homestay before Nimisha was found unconscious. Police detained Ashik Ali, identified in reports as a 26-year-old associate of Nimisha, and later arrested him as the investigation progressed.
According to police, three youths later brought Nimisha to Azara Primary Health Centre. Reports said two other young men helped Ashik take her to the health facility. However, details about the movements and identities of everyone present around the time of the incident remain under investigation.
The reported disappearance of another youth could therefore become relevant to the investigation. Police will need to establish whether he was present at the homestay, what he saw and when he left the area.
Police examine Ashik Ali’s account
Police are also investigating Ashik Ali’s account of what happened inside the homestay. Ali has reportedly told investigators that Nimisha died by suicide after hanging herself from a ceiling fan.
However, police have not accepted that account as the established cause of death. DCP (West) Bolin Deori said investigators would determine whether the claim was true or false. Police also found injury marks on Nimisha’s body, adding to the questions surrounding the circumstances of her death.
The post-mortem examination and forensic investigation are expected to help investigators establish the sequence of events. Police have also examined the homestay premises and collected evidence from the room.
Homestay records under scrutiny
The Guwahati student death case has also drawn attention to alleged lapses at the homestay. Police sealed Rudra’s Kitchen after a preliminary investigation found that mandatory identification documents had allegedly not been collected from Nimisha and Ali.
Investigators are examining the homestay’s records and other available evidence. Police have also reported that Nimisha and Ali had stayed at the property several times during the previous month.
Meanwhile, a homestay employee identified as Mitu Ali was detained for questioning in connection with the case. Reports said police were examining his role and his movements around the time of the incident.
Family allegations and public protests
Nimisha’s family has questioned the circumstances of her death. Her father, Deepjyoti Thakuria, has demanded strict action against those responsible and appealed for justice.
The family has also referred to a distress call Nimisha reportedly made to her mother before her death. According to reports, she allegedly said she was being assaulted before the call ended. Police are examining such accounts alongside forensic and other evidence.
The incident also triggered protests in Dharapur. Local residents and students blocked National Highway 17 and demanded a thorough investigation into Nimisha’s death.
Investigation now focuses on missing links
The reported disappearance of the additional youth adds another point for investigators to verify in the Guwahati student death case. His location, movements and possible knowledge of events at the homestay could help police establish a clearer timeline, if investigators confirm his presence there.
At present, the circumstances of Nimisha’s death remain under investigation. Ashik Ali’s account has not been established as fact, while allegations made by the family also require verification through evidence. Police are expected to rely on forensic findings, witness statements, digital evidence and other material before determining what happened at the Dharapur homestay.
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