Police in Guwahati have launched a detailed investigation after the body of a young woman discovered late on October 24 inside a rented accommodation in Lakhimi Nagar, Hatigaon. The woman identified as Riya Rajbongshi. The shocking discovery was made by Banjita Rabha, who returned home after a week-long trip from her native village in Boko. She found the body wrapped in a blanket on the bed. She immediately informed authorities.
The key suspect, identified as Rohan Kashyap alias Nayan Das, arrested. Das, reportedly married with children, had been living with Rabha in the rented house for about six weeks in a live-in relationship. Police say he brought Riya Rajbongshi to the residence while Rabha was away.
During the investigation, officers recovered a substantial quantity of drugs, containers and cash amounting to over Rs 1.5 lakh from the scene. A forensic team, along with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), carried out an extensive probe. The post-mortem conducted at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital under magisterial supervision, with the entire procedure video recorded.
Initially absconding, Das was later arrested and confessed to consuming drugs with the deceased. According to his statement, “We both consumed drugs. She collapsed due to an overdose. I didn’t kill her. I have been using drugs since the lockdown.” He said, “I am a user, not a trafficker.”
Despite his claims, investigators are probing whether the accused also involved in drug trafficking and whether the victim’s death caused solely by an overdose or by foul play.
In a breakthrough under Dispur PS Case No. 868/2025 (u/s 103(1) BNS, 2023), Das revealed to police that he had hidden the victim’s mobile phones at Maa Kamakhya Hotel in Ulubari’s Sarabhati area. A subsequent search of Room No. 206 led to the recovery of two mobile phones and approximately 13 grams of suspected brown sugar concealed inside a soap box. All items seized in the presence of witnesses.
Meanwhile, Banjita Rabha remains in custody for questioning as investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the alleged crime. The investigation is ongoing.
