Guwahati man kills wife, keeps severed head in refrigerator; arrested

A 28-year-old cab operator was arrested in Guwahati on Monday for allegedly murdering his wife and keeping her severed head inside a refrigerator at their rented home, police said.

The deceased was identified as Riya Talukdar, a resident of Noonmati, while her husband, Ramanujan Goswami, is originally from Gauripur in Dhubri district. Police said Goswami initially fled the house but later surrendered at Hatigaon police station, where he was arrested.

Foul smell leads police to locked house

The incident came to light on Sunday night after neighbours noticed a foul smell coming from the locked house in the Basisthapur area. They alerted the police, following which a search of the premises was conducted.

Police found Riya's severed head inside a black polythene bag placed in the refrigerator. Some of her fingers were also found severed, police said.

A forensic team from Guwahati Police examined the scene and collected evidence. Initial findings indicated that Riya was killed at least 24 hours before her severed head was discovered.

“The locals told us that the husband left the house alone, locked the door from outside, which was suspicious. Later they said that foul odour came from the house and based on that information we started investigating,” officers of Hatigaon Police Station said.

Couple had argued before murder

According to neighbours, the couple had a fight on Saturday night and screams were heard from inside the house. Goswami allegedly left after locking the room from outside, police said.

A case has been registered under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 103(1) for murder. Goswami is being questioned as investigators try to establish the motive behind the killing.

Riya worked at a boutique in the AC Market area of Fancy Bazar, according to police. Both her parents had died, while her brother lives in Noonmati.

Family alleges history of domestic violence

Riya's family said she and Goswami had been in a relationship for several years before marrying last year. They also alleged that Goswami had a history of domestic violence and had spent around three months at a rehabilitation centre earlier this year.

Police said his behavioural history is being examined as part of the investigation.

Riya's body has been sent to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for a post-mortem examination. Police said the exact cause and timeline of her death will be established after the report.