Guwahati | July 14, 2025 : In a chilling incident that has shocked Assam’s capital, Guwahati, a woman allegedly murdered her husband and buried his body in a 5-foot-deep pit within their home’s compound, then lied to neighbors that he had left for Kerala in search of work.

The accused, 28-year-old Rahima Khatun, reportedly killed her husband, Sobial Rahman (also reported as Sabial Rehman), around June 26 at their residence in the Jaymati Nagar area of Pandu. Following the murder, she allegedly dug a pit inside their compound and buried his body in secret. She then told neighbors and acquaintances that her husband had traveled to Kerala for employment, hoping to avoid suspicion.

Initially, the story seemed plausible. Many residents from the region do migrate to southern states like Kerala for better job opportunities. But when Rahman failed to make any contact for several days, neighbors began to grow suspicious. Repeated inquiries led to Rahima maintaining her version that he was away working.

Concerned over his prolonged absence, neighbors eventually filed a missing person report with the Jalukbari Police Outpost. This led to increased scrutiny. As police began probing into the matter, Rahima attempted to flee to Dhubri district, reportedly citing a medical emergency.

Police tracked and apprehended her before she could leave the area. During interrogation, Rahima allegedly confessed to the murder and revealed the burial location. Authorities, accompanied by a magistrate, excavated a 5-foot pit inside the house premises and recovered Rahman’s decomposed body.

Local police say that domestic tension and financial disputes may have been the motive. The couple had reportedly sold property recently, resulting in a sum of ₹23 lakh being received. Investigators believe that a disagreement over this money might have triggered the fatal altercation. Reports suggest the murder was premeditated and possibly executed without outside help, although the police are not ruling out the involvement of others.

The community is in shock. Rahima and Sobial were known to most in the area, and many described them as a typical couple with occasional arguments. No one imagined such an extreme outcome. Locals also expressed disbelief over the fact that a crime of this magnitude could be hidden in plain sight for nearly two weeks.

Rahima has been arrested and is currently in judicial custody. A murder case has been registered, and a further investigation is underway. Authorities are examining call records, financial transactions, and the timeline of events to piece together how the crime was planned and covered up for so long.

This case raises serious concerns about domestic abuse, mental health, and the lack of timely intervention in volatile households. It also underlines how layered and deceptive violent crimes can be, especially when cloaked in everyday excuses like job migration.

As the investigation unfolds, the legal process will determine Rahima Khatun’s guilt and whether any others were involved. For now, a quiet neighborhood in Guwahati is left grappling with the horror that unfolded in their midst.