Homestay sealed after Gauhati University student's death; security lapses found

Assam authorities sealed a Dharapur homestay after Gauhati University student Nimisha Thakuria was found dead and Asif Ali was detained for questioning. Police are verifying Ali's suicide claim while examining the couple's movements, homestay records and possible documentation violations.

In Short

• Police are checking records of the student’s repeated stays with Asif Ali
• Nimisha was found unconscious near a health centre around 4.30 am
• Three men took her to the facility before she was shifted

The administration has sealed a homestay in Assam's Dharapur, following the death of Gauhati University student Nimisha Thakuria. Police are examining the property’s records and investigating documentation violations and the circumstances surrounding her death.

The homestay came under scrutiny after Nimisha’s death amid allegations that the establishment allowed people to stay without proper documentation and verification. Police are examining the records as part of the investigation.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Bolin Deuri said investigators were checking records of Nimisha’s stays at the homestay with Asif Ali, who police have detained in connection with the case. According to police, the two had visited the property around five times in a month.

Deuri said action would be taken against those associated with the homestay if the investigation found violations or any involvement in the case.

“Everyone at the homestay will be arrested if necessary,” Deuri said.

STUDENT FOUND UNCONSCIOUS EARLY SATURDAY

Nimisha, a 22-year-old student enrolled in a five-year integrated course at Gauhati University, was found unconscious near a health centre at around 4.30 am. Three men who found her reportedly took her to the facility, following which she was shifted to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where doctors declared her brought dead.

Police have detained Asif Ali and are questioning him. Investigators are examining his relationship with Nimisha, their movements on the night of the incident and the events preceding her death.

According to preliminary information, Nimisha had gone out with Ali on Friday night and the two reportedly stayed in Dharapur. She was later found unconscious near Azara.

POLICE VERIFY SUICIDE CLAIM

Deuri said Ali had told police that Nimisha died by suicide after hanging herself. Police, however, said his account had not been established and that all possible angles were being examined.

“We have apprehended the accused, and he is in police custody, and we are questioning him. We have sent the body for post-mortem, and we can get more information later,” Deuri told reporters.

Regarding Ali’s claim, Deuri said police would verify it as part of the investigation.

“According to the accused, the girl hanged herself, but whether that’s the truth, we will have to see. We will not believe anything; we will investigate every angle,” he said.

Police said Ali had acknowledged being in a relationship with Nimisha. Investigators are examining how 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.

The post-mortem report and other evidence gathered during the investigation are expected to help establish the cause and circumstances of Nimisha’s death. The investigation is ongoing.

- Ends
With inputs from Purna bikash