Guwahati: Guwahati murder accused Ramanuj Goswami, who was arrested in connection with the killing of his wife Riya Talukdar, died early Monday, September 14, after sustaining injuries in a fall near Narakasur Hills while in police custody.

According to police, Goswami was being taken from Hatigaon to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) through Kahilipara for a blood test when he allegedly jumped from Narakasur Hills in an attempt to escape custody.

Police said Goswami was not shot and sustained fatal injuries in the fall.

GMCH Superintendent Dr Devajit Choudhury said police informed the hospital that Goswami had been involved in a road traffic accident. He was brought to the casualty ward at around 3:41 am and was declared brought dead.

“Goswami had no gunshot injuries on his body, ruling out injuries caused by firing. The injuries found on his body were consistent with a fall,” Choudhury said.

He said the hospital conducted an ECG and other necessary examinations before issuing a brought-dead certificate.

Goswami’s body has been sent to the forensic medicine morgue for a post-mortem examination. Choudhury said the exact cause of death would be established only after the post-mortem.

The development comes days after Goswami was arrested in connection with the alleged murder of his wife Riya Talukdar, at their residence in Guwahati’s Hatigaon area.

Police had alleged that Riya was killed following an altercation between the couple. The dispute was reportedly linked to Goswami’s suspicion that she was involved in an extramarital relationship.

Riya’s body was recovered from a third-floor flat at Anjali Griha in the Basisthapur area after her family alerted police. Neighbours had reportedly told investigators that the couple frequently argued and that loud disturbances, followed by what sounded like a woman crying, were heard from the flat on Saturday.

Goswami and Riya had been married for around six months and were living together at the apartment. Goswami worked as an Uber driver and was originally from Gauripur.

With Goswami’s death occurring while he was in police custody, the circumstances surrounding the fall are expected to come under scrutiny. The detailed post-mortem examination and ongoing investigation are expected to establish the exact circumstances and cause of his death.