Guwahati: Assam Police on Tuesday arrested a homestay staff member for allegedly attempting to destroy evidence in connection with Gauhati University student Nimisha Thakuria’s death.Another person was detained in connection with the case.Homestay staff member Mintu Ali has also been arrested for allegedly attempting to destroy evidence, police said.The detained person has been identified as Rupam Saikia. Saikia is a friend of Ashiq Ali, Thakuria’s boyfriend, who was arrested earlier in the case. DCP (West) Balin Deuri said police would examine Saikia’s possible involvement.“Saikia, Ashiq and Thakuria were friends. On the night of the incident, Saikia was drinking with them, but he left early. We are awaiting the forensic science laboratory (FSL) report and the autopsy report,” Deuri added.Saikia’s mother told the media that he had known Ali since July. She said Ali rented a vehicle from Saikia for a day for Rs 3,000 towards the end of that month, after which they became close.“On the day of the incident, he left home around 7.10 pm, saying that Ashiq had called him. He reached the homestay around 7.30 pm, carrying alcohol, and returned home at around 9.40 pm,” she said.Police said Nimisha suffered multiple injuries during a violent altercation with Ali, following a verbal dispute, and described the case as murder. Investigators are awaiting the FSL and autopsy reports and questioning homestay staff to establish their roles.Following a meeting with homestay owners, police directed them to display the Assam Police helpline number outside their premises and inside rooms. The move would “send a positive message” and show that hotels are “taking the safety and care of their customers seriously.”
