The mother of Mohammad Asif Ali called the police on Saturday after her son left the house Friday afternoon, promising to return but never coming back. She said he vanished after leaving the household hours later, and the call followed a 2‑am distress call from the victim's mother, who claimed her daughter had been assaulted and locked in a room.
DCP Bolin Deori told reporters that investigators found no blood on the victim’s body or on the floor of the homestay, a detail that contradicts the suicide claim. He added that the case is now being treated as a potential murder and that a preliminary inquiry will be held. The police have not yet released a charge sheet.
The victim, a 22‑year‑old Gauhati University student, was staying with Asif at a homestay in Garal on the city’s outskirts. She was taken to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital where doctors declared her dead. Her parents allege that she was gang‑raped before being killed.
Asif, a daily‑wage painter who occasionally works for the ride‑hailing app Rapido, comes from a family that struggles to make ends meet. His father says the relationship with the Hindu girl was long‑term, but his mother opposed it because of religious differences. The family says they were unaware of any foul play until the police arrested Asif.
Police are preparing to file a charge sheet against Asif and will decide whether to proceed with a murder case. The investigation will include forensic analysis of the homestay and interviews with security personnel. The case is expected to be scheduled for a preliminary hearing next month.