Assam man accused of beheading his wife and keeping her severed head in a refrigerator for several days died after allegedly jumping from a moving police vehicle, officials said.
The incident took place in the early hours of Monday when police were taking Ramanuj Goswami back to the Hatigaon police station after his medical examination at the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
According to police officials, Goswami suddenly attacked the police team and jumped from the moving vehicle near the Narakasur Pahar area. He fell into a gorge and suffered serious injuries.
He was immediately rescued and taken to the GMCH, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Goswami was arrested for allegedly killing his 25-year-old wife, Riya Talukdar, at their Guwahati flat on September 3. Police said their investigation revealed that he suspected his wife of cheating on him.
The incident came to light after neighbours complained of a foul smell coming from the flat. Police subsequently raided the premises and allegedly found the woman’s severed head and fingers inside a black polythene bag kept in the refrigerator.
Goswami was booked under Sections 103(1)relating to murder, and 258 relating to causing disappearance of evidence, of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He later surrendered to the police on September 6 and was remanded to police custody.
During a police visit to the crime scene on September 8, Goswami allegedly showed no remorse over the killing and said he had no regret or apology. He also allegedly threatened to kill a man whom he referred to as his wife’s “sugar daddy” if he were released from jail.
During the search of the residence, police recovered a blood-stained machete suspected to have been used in the killing.
Officials said Goswami told police that he was intoxicated when the crime took place. Four empty bottles were also recovered from the flat.
Riya’s family alleged that Goswami had a history of drug addiction, had concealed medical issues and had previously been arrested in connection with a financial fraud case in 2019. Police are currently investigating these allegations and gathering further details related to the murder.