Assam police investigate suspected murder of woman at homestay

A 22-year-old woman has been found dead at a homestay in Garal, on the outskirts of Guwahati, Assam. Her family has alleged that she was gang-raped and murdered, noting that the victim had expressed fear for her life in a final phone call to her mother.

The victim's father reported that she had been tied with ropes and showed signs of torture. While the victim's boyfriend, 26-year-old Asif Ali, was arrested and claimed the death was a suicide, Guwahati West Deputy Commissioner of Police Bolin Deori stated that authorities do not believe that version of events and suspect murder.

Local authorities are currently questioning the homestay owner and staff. Witnesses, including the homestay's cook and caretaker, reported hearing a male voice screaming during the night. The victim was brought to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital unconscious, where she was later declared dead.