Assam man who beheaded wife flees police custody, dies after jumping off hill

Murder accused Ramanuj Goswami died after falling from Narakasur Hills while in police custody on the way to GMCH for a blood test. His death has added a fresh line of inquiry as police continue investigating wife Riya Talukdar's killing.

In Short

• Police said Goswami was not shot and suffered fatal fall injuries
• He had been arrested over wife Riya Talukdar's death in Basisthapur
• Investigators suspect a marital altercation linked to infidelity suspicions preceded her death

Guwahati murder accused Ramanuj Goswami died early Monday after falling from Narakasur Hills while he was being taken by police for a blood test, officials said. Police said Goswami jumped from the hill in an attempt to escape from custody.

The incident took place at around 3 am on September 14, when Goswami was being taken from Hatigaon towards Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) through Kahilipara.

According to police, Goswami suddenly jumped from the hill while in custody. Police clarified that he was not shot and said he sustained fatal injuries in the fall.

His body was subsequently recovered and taken to the GMCH morgue, where further procedures will be carried out. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

GOSWAMI WAS ACCUSED OF KILLING WIFE

Goswami had been arrested in connection with the death of his wife, Riya Talukdar, at their residence in Guwahati's Basisthapur area.

Police suspect that Riya was killed following an altercation between the couple. The dispute was reportedly linked to Goswami's suspicion that his wife was involved in an extramarital relationship.

Riya's body was recovered from a third-floor flat at Anjali Griha after her family alerted police. Personnel from Hatigaon Police Station reached the residence and began investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.

Neighbours told police that the couple frequently had arguments. Residents also reported hearing loud disturbances from the flat on Saturday, followed by what sounded like a woman crying.

According to residents, only Goswami's voice could be heard during the disturbance. He was also seen appearing frightened and distressed at the time.

COUPLE HAD MARRIED SIX MONTHS AGO

Riya and Goswami had married around six months ago and were living together in the apartment. Goswami worked as an Uber driver and was originally from Gauripur.

The apartment was reportedly constructed on land owned by Goswami's father. The land was later sold to a builder, following which a house was provided to his father as part of the agreement.

Riya, who was from Noonmati, worked at a boutique in the AC Market area of Fancy Bazar. She had reportedly lost both her parents and is survived by her brother.

Goswami's death while in police custody has now added another layer to the case. Police are examining the circumstances of his fall and the sequence of events leading up to his death, while further investigation into Riya's death is also underway.

- Ends