"We want encounter, love jihad should stop": Protesters on Gauhati University student's death

Residents blocked National Highway 17 near Azara in Guwahati on Saturday, September 26, protesting the death of 22-year-old Gauhati University student Nimisha Thakuria and demanding strict action against those responsible. The blockade disrupted traffic on the key route connecting Guwahati with the airport.

The protest followed preliminary findings of a magisterial inquest, which reportedly noted injury marks on Nimisha's face, head, hands and private parts. Police and district administration officials reached the spot as protesters continued the road blockade.

Protesters demanded the death penalty for the accused and called for an investigation into hotels and homestays in the area. They also allegedly demanded an end to what they described as "love jihad" and called for measures to prevent such cases in the future.

The allegations made by protesters have not been established by the police investigation. Police are examining the circumstances surrounding Nimisha's death and have said all possible angles will be investigated.

Nimisha, who was enrolled in a five-year integrated course at Gauhati University, was found unconscious near Garal PHC at around 4.30 am, according to police. Three men who found her reportedly took her to the health facility. She was subsequently shifted to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where doctors declared her brought dead.

Police have detained Ashiq Ali, who they said was known to Nimisha and had acknowledged being in a relationship with her. Investigators are questioning him and examining the events preceding her being found unconscious.

According to preliminary information, Nimisha had gone out with Ali on Friday night and the two had stayed at a homestay in Dharapur. Police are examining the homestay's records and the circumstances under which the two stayed there.

Guwahati Deputy Commissioner of Police Bolin Deori said Ali had claimed that Nimisha died by suicide after hanging herself. Police, however, said the claim had not been accepted without verification.

"According to the accused, the girl hanged herself, but whether that's the truth, we will have to see. We will not believe anything; we will investigate every angle," Deori told reporters.

Police have sent Nimisha's body for post-mortem examination. The report, along with the ongoing investigation, is expected to establish the cause and circumstances of her death.

Meanwhile, Guwahati Police are set to seal the Dharapur homestay after preliminary investigation found alleged lapses in maintaining guest documentation. Police are examining the records of the establishment and have said the homestay had been visited by Nimisha and Ali several times in the past month.

Deori said police would take action against those found responsible for violations during the investigation. "Everyone at the homestay will be arrested if necessary," he said.