GUWAHATI: A gruesome murder has sent shockwaves through Guwahati after the partially decomposed and decapitated body of a 25-year-old woman was recovered from an apartment in the Basisthapur area near Beltola on Sunday night. The victim's severed head was found wrapped in a plastic bag inside a refrigerator.

The deceased has been identified as Riya Talukdar Goswami, who worked at a local boutique in Fancy Bazar. Her husband, Ramanujan Goswami, a cab driver by profession, surrendered at the Dispur Police Station shortly after the incident came to light and is currently under intense police interrogation.

Foul Smell Alerted Neighbours

The crime came to light late Sunday evening when residents of the 'Anjali Griha' apartment building noticed a foul smell emanating from the third-floor flat occupied by the couple.

Upon receiving information from the neighbours, a team of police personnel breached the flat and discovered the headless torso lying on the bedroom floor beside the bed, surrounded by bloodstains. Search operations inside the residence led officers to the refrigerator, where the victim's decapitated head was stashed in a polythene bag. Forensic teams also reported that several of the victim's fingers had been severed.

Crime Suspected 24–48 Hours Prior

According to preliminary assessments by forensic experts and senior police officials, including Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Anurag Sharma, the murder likely took place 24 to 48 hours before the discovery.

Investigators retrieved a sharp weapon, believed to be a machete or heavy knife, from the scene of the crime. Forensic teams collected vital evidence from the scattered belongings across the flat.

Fights, Haircut, and Surrender

Neighbours revealed that the couple, who had been married for just six months, quarrelled frequently. Loud cries and intense commotion were heard from the residence on Saturday.

Local residents recalled seeing Ramanujan around 8:00 PM on Saturday, noting that he had abruptly changed his haircut. Instead of locking the apartment door securely, he had reportedly jammed the door shut using a sock before leaving.

Ongoing Investigation

The victim's body has been sent to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) morgue for a detailed post-mortem examination. Police are attempting to reach the victim’s surviving relatives. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further probe is underway.