It has been nine days since the death of 25-year-old Rashmita Hogoí, yet the mystery behind her demise remains unsolved. While the initial post-mortem report suggested that she died by drowning, Rashmita’s family and locals from Assam insist that her death was not an accident or suicide, but a murder.

The case has drawn significant attention in Assam, with the state’s Chief Minister personally writing to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand to request a thorough investigation. In response, Uttarakhand CM Dhami tweeted that a proper re-investigation is underway and assured the public that the truth will come out.

Despite the seriousness of the case, it has not received widespread media coverage, possibly overshadowed by other high-profile incidents. This has led to frustration among people in Assam, who feel that justice for Rashmita is being overlooked.

The Incident

Rashmita Hogoí, a resident of Dima Hasao district in Assam, had traveled to Delhi to appear for the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) exam. After her exam, she went on a trip to Rishikesh with two friends—Hemant Sharma, a former classmate from her engineering college in Haryana, and Pankaj Khokhar, a friend from Delhi.

On the night of June 5th, Rashmita went missing around 8 PM. Her friends reported her disappearance to the police after searching for her unsuccessfully. During the police investigation, a female body was found submerged in water not far from where she was last seen. The body was later identified as Rashmita’s.

Rashmita’s father filed a complaint with the police, alleging that his daughter had been murdered. The two friends, Hemant and Pankaj, were questioned by the police but were released after their statements. Both claimed to have no knowledge of what happened to Rashmita after 8 PM.

Family’s Allegations

Rashmita’s mother has strongly rejected the theory of accidental drowning or suicide. She stated that her daughter was very anxious and used to call her regularly, but on that day, she did not receive any call or information about her activities. The family suspects foul play, alleging that Rashmita was raped and murdered, and that the police are hiding the truth.

Ongoing Investigation

When contacted, the local police stated that the preliminary investigation indicates death by drowning, but further investigation is ongoing. The family’s complaint has been transferred from Assam to Uttarakhand police, who are now reinvestigating the case on the orders of the Chief Minister.

The All India Dimasa Student Union has also demanded a detailed investigation and justice for Rashmita. The incident has drawn comparisons to a similar recent case involving a 24-year-old woman from Assam who died under suspicious circumstances in Gujarat, raising concerns about the safety of North-East students outside their home state.

Call for Justice

Activists and the public are urging the authorities to ensure a fair and transparent investigation. Many have expressed disappointment that mainstream Hindi media has not covered the case extensively, and are calling for more attention to such incidents involving North-Eastern communities.

The investigation is still ongoing, and Rashmita’s family, along with supporters, continue to demand justice and answers regarding her untimely death.