Police in Assam have arrested 26-year-old Ashiq Ali following the death of 22-year-old Nimisha Thakuria, a Gauhati University student who was found critically injured at a local homestay. Investigators have registered a criminal case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to gang rape and murder, after the victim’s family reported a distressing late-night phone call detailing a violent physical assault.
Arrest and Criminal Charges Filed Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Ashiq Ali remains in Azara police custody following his arrest in connection with the student’s death. Investigators registered the case under sections 127(2), 117(2), 70(1), and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These legal provisions correspond to wrongful confinement, voluntarily causing grievous hurt, gang rape, and murder. According to police statements, authorities are currently examining whether Ali’s account of the incident is accurate, as he initially claimed to officers that the victim had hanged herself.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Hospital Declaration
Nimisha Thakuria left her family home around 5 p.m. on Friday, telling her mother she planned to spend the night at a Gauhati University hostel with friends, according to her father, Deep Thakuria. Around 10 p.m., she reiterated her plans to stay at the hostel. However, the situation escalated when the victim called her mother at approximately 2 a.m. on Saturday.
Deep Thakuria stated that his daughter told her mother on that call, “Ma, they have beaten me. They punched me in the chest and assaulted me. I am injured.” The family was unable to reach her by phone after that communication. Concerned by her lack of response, relatives approached the Azara police station to seek assistance in tracing her phone.
Roughly half an hour later, police contacted the family to report that a young woman had been brought to the Garal Primary Health Centre. Relatives verified her identity at the facility, after which she was referred to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. Medical personnel at the hospital declared her dead upon arrival. Her post-mortem examination was completed on Saturday, and her last rites were performed that evening.
CID and forensic teams subsequently examined the room at Rudra’s Kitchen homestay, located in the Dharapur-Garal area, collecting evidence from the scene.
Homestay Sealed Over Identity Verification Lapses
Authorities have sealed Rudra’s Kitchen homestay and questioned the owner alongside three employees following revelations regarding security lapses. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Balin Deuri stated that investigators found Nimisha Thakuria and Ashiq Ali had visited the establishment five times during the month without undergoing proper identity verification.
Police records indicate the property was rented to an individual named Jayanta Saki for approximately Rs 1.30 lakh per month. Investigators are reviewing whether any regulatory violations or additional connections exist in the case. DCP Deuri also noted that police are examining information indicating that a friend of Ali stayed in the room on the day of the incident.
Homestay employee Bipul Bailung told investigators that Thakuria and Ali checked into room 10 and ordered food around 9.30 p.m. Staff members reported hearing cries for help and a male voice between 2:30 a.m. and 3 a.m. According to Bailung, three employees went to the room and discovered Thakuria lying on the floor while Ali held her and cried.
Public Protests and Ongoing Police Investigation
In response to the student’s death, local residents gathered to block a road leading toward the airport, staging a demonstration to demand a thorough and transparent investigation. Some participants in the protest alleged connections to what they termed “love jihad.”
Law enforcement officials maintain that all aspects of the case are under active review, including the potential involvement of additional individuals beyond the primary suspect currently in custody.