Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Accused in Gauhati Student Death Shot During Escape Attempt
Police say Ashik Ali tried to escape while in their custody early Tuesday.
They shot him in the leg, and he was taken to a hospital.
A hospital official said he was stable and being treated.
Ali was due to appear in court as his eight-day police custody ended.
He is accused in the death of Gauhati University student Nimisha Thakuria.
She was found unconscious at a Guwahati homestay in September and later died.
Ali reportedly told investigators that she died by suicide, but police say they have not confirmed that explanation.
They are investigating what happened and examining evidence, including forensic and post-mortem reports.
Police said Ashik Ali was shot in the leg in Dharapur early Tuesday after allegedly trying to escape custody.
One report said Ali tried to snatch a policeman’s rifle; other accounts described an escape attempt without that detail.
Ali was taken to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital; a hospital official said he was stable with two wounds near his right ankle.
Ali’s eight-day police remand was due to end Tuesday, when he was scheduled to be produced before a court.
Police are investigating the death of Gauhati University student Nimisha Thakuria and have not established whether she died by suicide or other circumstances.
- Who
- Ashik Ali, also identified in one report as Asif Ali, was shot by police; he is accused in the death of Nimisha Thakuria.
- What
- Police fired at Ali after he allegedly attempted to escape custody; one account says he tried to snatch an officer’s rifle.
- When
- Early Tuesday; reports place the incident around 3:30 a.m. or say Ali arrived at the hospital around 5:30 a.m.
- Where
- Dharapur, Guwahati, Assam; Ali was treated at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.
- Why
- Police said they fired to prevent Ali from escaping; he was being held in connection with Thakuria’s death.
Police account
Unresolved questions
Reason for police firing
Police account
Police said they fired to stop Ali from escaping custody; one account says he tried to snatch an officer’s rifle.
Unresolved questions
The reports provide no account from Ali about the shooting, and the circumstances leading to the use of firearms are to be examined.
Circumstances of Nimisha Thakuria’s death
Police account
Ali reportedly told investigators that Thakuria died by suicide after hanging herself.
Unresolved questions
Police said his account has not been independently established and that they are investigating all possible angles.
- Accused
- Ashik Ali, also identified as Asif Ali alias Ashik Ali
- Police account
- Ali allegedly attempted to escape; one report says he tried to take a policeman’s rifle.
- Injury
- Gunshot wounds to the leg; a hospital official described two wounds near the right ankle.
- Treatment
- Gauhati Medical College and Hospital; the hospital superintendent said Ali was stable and under orthopaedic care.
- Custody status
- His eight-day police remand was scheduled to end Tuesday, when he was due to be produced before court.
- Student
- Nimisha Thakuria, a Gauhati University Sociology student, was found unconscious at a homestay in September and later died.
- Investigation
- Police say the cause and circumstances of Thakuria’s death remain under investigation.
