The 22‑year‑old victim, a sociology student from Gauhati University, was discovered unconscious in a room at Rudra’s Guest House in Azara‑Dharapur on Saturday. She was later pronounced dead at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.
Minut Ali, the homestay’s manager, allegedly arranged and consumed liquor with the student and her male friend, police sources said. He has been in police custody for the past three days and was formally arrested today after a medical examination.
The male friend told authorities that the student had hanged herself, but investigators say the claim has not yet been established. Police are probing whether the death was suicide or homicide.
West Guwahati DCP Bolin Deori said the couple was allowed to stay at the homestay despite apparently lacking proper documents, and the establishment’s records were poorly maintained.
Forensic analysis revealed injury marks on the victim’s body, prompting investigators to explore a murder angle. The case will be heard in the local court next week, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for 30 September.