Gauhati University student found dead at homestay, sparks protest

GUWAHATI: A 21-year-old Sociology student of Gauhati University, Nimisha Thakuria, was found dead at a homestay in the Garal-Dharapur area under Azara police station late Friday night, sparking a blockade of NH-17 on Saturday, disrupting traffic on the key route leading to LGBI International Airport.

An inquest reportedly recorded injury marks on her body, further angering protesters, who alleged the death was a case of "love jihad". Police said Thakuria left home around 11 pm to spend the night with her friend, Ashiq Ali, 26, at a homestay called "Rudra's Kitchen."

Her father told media that she reportedly called her mother later that night alleging assault, before her phone was switched off. She was later found unconscious and declared dead at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.

DCP (West Guwahati) Bolin Deori said, "According to the suspect Ashiq Ali, the girl had hanged herself on the fan," adding that police would establish the facts through further investigation, including the post-mortem report. Ali remains in custody as the probe continues.