A 22-year‑old student was discovered dead in critical condition at a homestay in Garal, on the outskirts of Guwahati, Saturday night after a gang rape, police said. The victim’s body was found tied with ropes, and the authorities have taken the alleged boyfriend, Asif Ali, into custody for questioning.
The victim’s father, who spoke to reporters in the early hours, claimed his daughter had left home at 5 p.m. Friday for a meal with friends and later informed his mother she would stay overnight at a university hostel. He said she tried to call home at 2 a.m. to report being badly beaten, only to have the call disconnected, adding the attackers had gang‑raped her before killing her.
Guwahati West Deputy Commissioner of Police Bolin Deori told NDTV that the preliminary inquiry points to a murder, noting the absence of blood on the body or the floor. He added that the investigation is still in its early stages and that police are questioning the homestay owner, caretakers and other staff.
The victim was brought unconscious to a local health facility and then transferred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, where doctors confirmed death. The police suspect foul play, citing the lack of obvious signs of a suicide as alleged by the boyfriend.
Families of the victim have demanded a thorough probe, with the father calling for continued investigation. The case has sparked outrage among local students, many of whom fear for their safety in the town’s nightlife.
Law enforcement officials plan to file a formal charge sheet against Asif Ali once the forensic inquiry is complete, with a court hearing expected next month.