Nimisha Thakuria: ‘Lover’ Ashiq Ali arrested in Guwahati student Nimisha Thakuria death case | Guwahati News
GUWAHATI: Ashiq Ali, 26, has been arrested in connection with the death of 22-year-old Gauhati University student Nimisha Thakuria, who was found in a critical condition at a homestay on the outskirts of Guwahati on Saturday. The homestay where the two were staying has also been sealed, while police are questioning its owner and employees.The homestay has since been sealed, while police have questioned its owner and three employees.Nimisha’s family said she called her mother around 2am on Saturday and told her, “Ma, they have beaten me. They punched me in the chest and assaulted me. I am injured.” Her father, Deep Thakuria, said the family could not reach her after the call.Nimisha was later found at the homestay in the Dharapur-Garal area. She was taken to Garal Primary Health Centre and subsequently referred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival.
‘She said she would stay at GU hostel’
Deep said Nimisha had left home around 5pm on Friday and told her mother that she would spend the night at Gauhati University hostel with friends. Around 10pm, she again told her mother that she planned to stay there.The family became concerned after the 2am call. When Nimisha stopped responding to repeated calls, they approached Azara police station and sought help in tracing her phone.Around half an hour later, police informed the family that a girl had been found at Garal Primary Health Centre and asked them to verify her identity.Deep said Nimisha had not told the family that she would be staying at a homestay with Ashiq. He said she had taken Rs 2,000 from home two days earlier, saying she planned to eat out with friends and stay overnight at a friend’s hostel.
Ashiq’s account under investigation
Police said Nimisha and Ashiq had been staying at Rudra’s Kitchen homestay in the Dharapur-Garal area. Ashiq allegedly told police that Nimisha had hanged herself.DCP (West) Balin Deuri said investigators were examining whether Ashiq’s account was accurate. “Whether it is true or a lie would come out during the investigation,” he said.Nimisha’s body was sent for post-mortem examination. CID and forensic teams also examined the homestay room and collected evidence.
Homestay sealed over verification lapses
Police said Nimisha and Ashiq had visited the homestay five times this month and were allegedly allowed to stay without proper identity verification. The owner and three employees were questioned on Sunday, and the premises were sealed.Deuri said the homestay had been rented to a person identified as Jayanta Saki for around Rs 1.30 lakh a month. Police are examining whether any violations or other links to the case emerge from the investigation.“We have learnt that a friend of Ali had stayed in their room that day, and that aspect is being looked into as well,” Deuri said.Homestay employee Bipul Bailung told police that Nimisha and Ashiq were staying in room 10 and had ordered food around 9.30pm. He claimed staff later heard cries for help and a male voice around 2.30-3am.According to Bailung, three employees went to the room and found Nimisha lying on the floor, with Ashiq holding her and crying.Ashiq is currently in Azara police custody and is being questioned. Police said they are examining all aspects of the case and whether anyone else was involved.
Protest after student’s death
Following Nimisha’s death, local residents blocked a road leading towards the airport and staged a protest demanding a thorough investigation. Some protesters alleged that the case was linked to what they described as “love jihad”.Nimisha’s last rites were performed on Saturday evening after her body was handed over to her family following the post-mortem.
