A 22‑year‑old Gauhati University student was discovered at a homestay on the outskirts of Guwahati on Saturday, critically ill and later pronounced dead at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. She had left home Friday after requesting ₹2,000 to spend time with friends, celebrated her birthday, and returned briefly to buy a snack before heading out again.
The family received a frantic call at 2 a.m. from the student’s mother, who claimed she was being beaten, locked in a room, and gasping for air. Her father, speaking to NDTV, said that two different men answered the phone during subsequent attempts, one saying the girl was breathless, another that she was unconscious and giving conflicting locations each time. The confusion left the family scrambling, calling repeatedly to no avail.
Police arrived after the student was found, detaining her male companion on the scene. Investigators recorded an account of suicide but are scrutinising the alleged assault, including injuries on the lips, cheeks, chest, and possible restraints on the hands. The post‑mortem is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
The family has appealed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for a thorough probe, while police are expected to file charges if evidence points to foul play. The post‑mortem report, due in the coming days, will decide whether the case remains a suicide or escalates to a criminal investigation.