Rahima Khatun, a 38-year-old woman from Guwahati, Assam, was arrested for allegedly murdering her husband, Sabiyal Rahman, a 40-year-old scrap dealer, following a domestic dispute on June 26. She reportedly buried his body in the compound of their home in Joymati Nagar, Pandu area.
Khatun initially misled neighbours about her husband’s whereabouts, claiming he had gone to Kerala for work, before surrendering to police on July 13 after Rahman’s brother filed a missing person complaint. Police have exhumed the body for forensic examination and are investigating whether others were involved in the crime, as Khatun may not have acted alone.
Unfolding of the Crime and Confession
The couple had been married for 15 years and had two children. According to police statements, the fatal incident occurred after a heated domestic altercation in which Rahman, reportedly intoxicated, sustained fatal injuries. In panic, Khatun dug a five-foot pit within their home compound and buried his body. She then attempted to conceal the crime by telling neighbours that Rahman had travelled for work or was unwell.
These conflicting accounts raised suspicion in the community. The case came to light when Rahman’s brother filed a missing person complaint on July 12, prompting Khatun to surrender the next day and confess to the murder at Jalukbari police station. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Padmanav Baruah confirmed these details and stated that the investigation is ongoing.
Investigation and Community Impact
Authorities have exhumed Rahman’s body under the supervision of forensic experts and a magistrate, sending it for autopsy at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. Police suspect Khatun may have had assistance in digging the pit and burying the body, as the task would have been difficult to accomplish alone.
The victim’s family has revealed that the couple had ongoing marital disputes, including financial disagreements related to property sales. Khatun is currently in judicial custody as police continue to investigate the full circumstances and any potential accomplices. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the devastating consequences of unresolved domestic conflicts.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragic case underscores the critical need for accessible support systems and early intervention mechanisms to address domestic conflicts before they escalate into violence.
It is vital to promote empathy, open communication, and conflict resolution within families to prevent such irreversible outcomes. Society must work collectively to ensure that homes are safe spaces where individuals feel heard and supported.
