GUWAHATI: A 22-year-old sociology student of Gauhati University was found dead at a homestay in Dharapur area on the outskirts of the city on Saturday.Police have detained her alleged lover and are questioning him in connection with the case.The deceased has been identified as Nimisha Thakuria and the main suspect has been identified as Ashiq Ali (26), deputy commissioner of police (DCP) west Balin Deuri said.According to Deuri, police detained Ashiq at Garal Primary Health Centre, where he had taken Nimisha for a medical examination along with two others, including a mutual friend. She was later referred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where doctors declared her dead on arrival.“Both Nimisha and Ashiq were staying in the homestay together in Dharapur during the time of the incident. Ashiq claimed that Nimisha hanged herself, dying by suicide. However, whether it is true or a lie, would come out during the investigation. We have sent the body for post-mortem examination and are awaiting results,” Deuri said.The DCP said Nimisha and Ashiq had visited the homestay five times this month and were allowed to stay without proper verification. The homestay owner has also been questioned as part of the investigation.“We are exploring all angles and examining the circumstances under which the two met, their movements on the night of the incident, the events leading up to Nimisha being found unconscious, and the injuries documented during the inquest,” Deuri said.Police said the owner had rented out the homestay to a person named Jayanta Saki for around Rs 1.3 lakh per month.A homestay staff member, Bipul Bailung, said Nimisha and Ashiq were staying in room number 10. He said staff members heard Ali crying and trying to wake Nimisha after finding her unconscious.Meanwhile, residents of Dharapur blocked a road and staged a protest, demanding a thorough investigation. Some protesters alleged that the incident was linked to what they described as ‘love jihad’.“We demand a proper investigation and justice so that no one involved in the incident is allowed to escape accountability. Those responsible should be identified and brought to justice,” a protester said.
