Man Allegedly Decapitates Wife, Keeps Severed Head Inside Fridge; Accused Arrested After Neighbors Report Foul Smell From Home

A woman was allegedly murdered inside her rented home in Guwahati, a city in the northeastern Indian state of Assam, with police later finding her severed head inside a refrigerator after neighbors reported a foul smell from the locked residence.

The victim, 25-year-old Riya Talukdar Goswami, was found dead at the couple’s rented home in the Basisthapur area of Guwahati’s Hatigaon on September 6.

Her husband, Ramanujan Goswami, was accused of decapitating his wife and was subsequently arrested after surrendering to police.

Neighbors’ Complaint Exposed the Crime

Police were alerted on Sunday, Sept. 6, after neighbors noticed a foul odor coming from the locked home and said they had not seen the couple for about two days.

Officers entered the residence and found Riya’s partially decomposed body, with her head missing.

A search of the home led investigators to the refrigerator, where Riya’s severed head was found wrapped in a black plastic bag.

Police also said some of her fingers had been severed.

A blood-stained dao, or machete, was recovered from the scene and is being sent for forensic examination.

Guwahati DCP Tabu Ram Pegu said, “A blood-stained Dao (machete) has been recovered from the site and it will be sent for forensic tests.”

Police also recovered empty alcohol bottles, while the accused reportedly told investigators that he had been drinking when the killing occurred.

What Happened Before the Discovery?

Police said the alleged killing took place on the morning of September 3, following an argument between the couple.

Neighbors reportedly heard screams from the residence that day. Police said Goswami subsequently locked the home from outside and left.

An officer at the police station said locals had reported that the husband left alone after locking the residence, which investigators considered suspicious.

“Later they said that foul odour came from the house and based on that information we started investigating,” the officer said.

Motive Still Under Investigation

Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the killing and have not established a final motive.

One report citing police said Goswami allegedly suspected his wife of having an affair, while police are continuing to verify the circumstances rather than treating that allegation as a fact.

Police have registered a case including Section 103 (1) relating to murder and Section 238 concerning destruction of evidence.

Riya’s body was sent to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital for an autopsy to establish the exact cause and timeline of death, while forensic teams are examining evidence recovered from the residence.

Her family members told Hindustan Times that she and Goswami had been in a relationship for several years before marrying.

Police are also examining Goswami’s behavioral history as part of the investigation.

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