Guwahati: Ramanujan Goswami, the prime accused in the gruesome murder of his 25-year-old wife Riya Talukdar Goswami in Guwahati’s Hatigaon area, surrendered before police and was subsequently arrested, officials said on Monday.
The woman’s severed head was allegedly found packed in a polythene bag inside a refrigerator at their flat, while her fingers were also allegedly cut off, in a brutal crime that has shocked the locality.
According to police, the alleged murder took place following frequent disputes between the couple. One of the reported reasons behind their quarrels was the victim’s alleged extramarital affair.
Police said Ramanujan allegedly attacked Riya with a machete during an altercation and killed her. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the crime and the events that followed.
Anurag Sharma, ADCP (East) of the Guwahati Police Commissionerate, confirmed that Ramanujan is the prime accused in the case.
Police said the accused surrendered at Hatigaon Police Station and was subsequently taken into custody.
The couple had reportedly married around six months ago and were living together at the flat in the Basisthapur area in Guwahati.
Police recovered the body after neighbours alerted authorities about a foul smell emanating from the apartment. A police team subsequently reached the flat and recovered the victim’s remains.
Investigators also seized a machete from the premises, which is suspected to have been used in the crime. The victim’s body was sent to Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for post-mortem examination.
Police said Ramanujan allegedly confessed to the crime during questioning. However, officials said the investigation is at a preliminary stage, and the accused’s statement will be examined along with other evidence in accordance with due legal process. The accused is expected to be taken on police remand for detailed interrogation.
Investigators are also examining the alleged motive, the sequence of events and the circumstances under which the body was kept inside the refrigerator. Forensic teams are expected to examine evidence collected from the flat as the probe progresses. Further investigation is underway.
(IANS)
