A 30-year-old man from Guwahati arrested for allegedly beheading his wife and keeping her severed head in a refrigerator has died after jumping from a moving police vehicle, according to officials. Ramanuj Goswami sustained severe injuries during the incident in the early hours of Monday and was declared dead at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
Investigation Into the Death of Ramanuj Goswami
According to Hatigaon Police, the incident occurred as officers were escorting Goswami back to the Hatigaon Police Station following medical examinations at GMCH. Police stated that Goswami suddenly attacked the police team and jumped from the moving vehicle near the Narakasur Pahar area, falling into a gorge. Authorities rescued him and transported him back to GMCH, where doctors pronounced him dead. Goswami’s death while in police custody is expected to undergo scrutiny as officials complete legal and procedural formalities.
Goswami had been in a seven-day police remand after surrendering to authorities on September 6. He faced charges under Sections 103(1) for murder and 238 for causing the disappearance of evidence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Did You Know? Neighbors living near the couple’s flat first alerted authorities to the crime after noticing a foul smell coming from the residence, leading police to discover the victim’s severed head and fingers inside a black polythene bag in the refrigerator.
Background of the Murder Case
Goswami was initially arrested in connection with the September 3 killing of his 25-year-old wife, Riya Talukdar, at their Guwahati flat. Police stated that Goswami claimed he suspected his wife of cheating on him. During a crime scene visit on September 8, investigators reported that Goswami showed no remorse, stating he had no regrets or apologies, and threatened to kill a man he called his wife’s “sugar daddy” if released. Officers also recovered a blood-stained machete and empty alcohol bottles from the flat, with Goswami reportedly telling investigators he was intoxicated during the attack.
Meanwhile, family members of Riya Talukdar alleged that Goswami had a history of drug addiction, concealed medical issues, and a previous 2019 arrest in a financial fraud case. Police stated those allegations were under active investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions [Why was Ramanuj Goswami in police custody?] Goswami had surrendered to police on September 6 and was held in a seven-day police remand under Sections 103(1) and 238 of the BNS for the alleged murder of his wife and destruction of evidence. [Where did the transport incident take place?] According to Hatigaon Police, the incident happened in the early hours of Monday near the Narakasur Pahar area while officers were escorting Goswami back to the Hatigaon Police Station from Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. [What evidence did police recover from the flat?] Police recovered the victim’s severed head and fingers from a black polythene bag inside a refrigerator, along with a blood-stained machete and empty alcohol bottles.
What steps should authorities take next to ensure transparency in custody transport procedures following this incident?