A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Andhra Pradesh Police has initiated a detailed inquiry following the recovery of an Assamese college student's body near railway tracks in Srikakulam district. Forensic specialists, sniffer dogs, and aerial drone units have been deployed across the area to collect physical evidence.
Discovery of the Body Near Penubarthi
The deceased student, identified as Himashri Boro, was pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Guwahati. Her body was found on October 7 near Penubarthi village, positioned along the right side of the railway line between Vizianagaram and Srikakulam Road stations. Following the discovery, the Superintendent of Police for Srikakulam visited the location alongside SIT members to inspect the surroundings. Personnel from the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL), specialized clues units, dog squads, and drone operators subsequently combed the tracks to gather critical clues.
Travel Background and Group Stay in Pendurthi
According to official case details, Boro had arrived in Visakhapatnam on August 16 as part of a 10-member cultural dance troupe comprising eight women and two men. The group resided in Pendurthi, earning an estimated Rs 2,000 per person each day. While five members of the ensemble returned to Assam earlier, the remaining five individuals, including Boro, continued their stay in Andhra Pradesh.
Missed Connection and Late-Night Boarding
On October 6, Boro attempted to return home to Assam but missed her scheduled Silchar Express. Remaining at the railway station, she opted to take the Vivek Express, which was scheduled for an 11.50 pm arrival but experienced delays. To arrange her passage, she reached out to her college friend Jyothi Chowdari. Chowdari contacted Eswar, a former schoolmate from Raghu Engineering College, who requested his friend Abhinash to assist due to travel distance. Abhinash arrived at Visakhapatnam Railway Station and purchased an unreserved general ticket on her behalf.
Harassment Allegation and Disconnected Call
The Vivek Express pulled into the station at approximately 1.30 am. During boarding inquiries, a travelling ticket collector declined Boro's request for an upgrade to a third AC sleeper berth. Furthermore, two AC coach attendants reportedly sought Rs 4,000 without offering any firm confirmation of a seat. At around 2.39 am on October 7, Boro boarded an overcrowded, moving compartment by herself without any male companion.
Shortly after getting on the train, Boro placed a phone call to Chowdari, stating that a group of boys was misbehaving with her. The call disconnected abruptly mid-conversation. Chowdari immediately informed classmate Anoop Tiwari, who logged an urgent distress complaint through Railway Helpline 139.
Search Operations and High-Level Inquiries
When the Vivek Express arrived at Srikakulam Road Station at 3.56 am, Railway Assistant Sub-Inspector V Aruna and accompanying security personnel inspected the front and rear sections of the coach but could not locate Boro. Authorities subsequently broadcast alerts to adjacent stops, directing officers at Palasa Railway Station to monitor the train and verify the grievance. During a subsequent inspection, police recovered Boro's baggage inside the S2 coach, where a fellow passenger stated that she had fallen from the moving train.
A medical panel has conducted a postmortem examination, and the findings have been documented in the investigation file. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has addressed formal communications to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, urging an exhaustive, time-bound probe into the circumstances surrounding Boro's death.
