Guwahati, Assam – Nimisha Thakuria, a 22-year-old Gauhati University student was found dead on Saturday shortly after making a distress call to her family, leading to the arrest of her boyfriend, Ashiq Ali. Nimisha was a Sociology student at Gauhati University and a resident of Dharapur. She was found unconscious early on Saturday, 26 September 2026, and later declared dead at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
According to reports, Thakuria had been at Rudra’s Kitchen homestay in the Dharapur-Garal (Azara) area with her boyfriend, 26-year-old Ashiq Ali, a local Rapido driver. Three men brought her to Garal Primary Health Centre around 4:30 a.m.; she was referred to GMCH, where doctors declared her brought dead.
🚨 BIG UPDATE IN NIMISHA THAKURIA CASE:
– Nimisha’s father alleges she was BRUTALLY ASSAULTED and GANG-RAPED, rejecting claims of SUICIDE.
– He cited severe TRAUMA marks and her desperate late-night call saying she was being BEATEN.
– Asik Ali has been DETAINED as police…— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) September 26, 2026
Ashiq Ali has been arrested. Ali told investigators that she died by suicide after hanging herself from a ceiling fan. However, Guwahati West Deputy Commissioner of Police Bolin Deuri stated that police are examining all aspects of the case, including a possible murder angle. Injury marks were noted on the body, including around the face and nose. The sexual-assault allegation is also under investigation.
Distressed call to family
Nimisha’s father, Deep Thakuria, has publicly rejected the suicide claim. He stated that his daughter left home around 5 p.m. on Friday, 25 September, saying she might stay at the university hostel or with friends. At around 2 a.m., she made a distressed phone call to her mother, alleging she was being beaten and kicked in the chest and was experiencing difficulty breathing. The line was abruptly disconnected, and her mobile phone was switched off immediately after. Deep Thakuria later reported severe trauma marks on the body and alleged that his daughter was brutally assaulted and gang-raped.
Lapses in guest documentation at the homestay
Police sealed the homestay after finding lapses in guest documentation and identity verification. Reports indicate the couple had visited the property multiple times earlier that month. A homestay employee, identified as Mitu Ali, has also been detained for questioning regarding his presence near the room and the alleged supply of alcohol.
Investigators have seized the facility’s guest registration logbook, CCTV footage, and the victim’s mobile phone for forensic analysis. A post-mortem examination was conducted, and the primary accused, Ashiq Ali, was produced before a local court on 28 September. An official case has been registered at Azara police station.
Public outrage
The incident sparked public outrage leading to protests, including a road blockade on NH-17 in Azara by a Hindu youth organisation, against alleged “love jihad.” Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured that all claims put forward by the victim’s parents will be thoroughly probed by state police.
The precise cause and sequence of events remain under active investigation by Guwahati police. Official findings, including post-mortem results and forensic analysis, have not been publicly finalised as of the latest available reports.
