Five people lost their lives in a deadly shooting at a Guwahati hotel. Now, the death of the prime accused has brought a sense of relief to the grieving families. Relatives of the victims have described the development as God’s justice.
The accused, Ghanakanta Gogoi, died in police firing in Assam’s Sivasagar district early Wednesday, November 4. His death came days after the October 26 shooting at Hotel Bilas Inn, which claimed five lives and left another person injured. However, the victims’ families have stressed that the investigation must continue to identify anyone else involved in the crime.
Guwahati Hotel Firing: Families React to Accused’s Death
Ankita Bharali, daughter of slain hotel co-owner Bhudev Bharali, expressed relief after learning about Gogoi’s death. She said the family felt that justice had finally been served following the devastating loss of several relatives.
The family had been demanding strict punishment for the accused since the shooting. Moreover, relatives had earlier questioned the protection provided to him during police custody and sought the harshest possible punishment.
However, Ankita also made it clear that Gogoi’s death should not bring the investigation to an end. She urged the authorities to identify anyone who might have encouraged, assisted or supported the attack.
She also expressed gratitude to the Assam government, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, police personnel, media organisations and members of the public for supporting the family during its difficult period.
What Happened at Hotel Bilas Inn?
The Guwahati hotel firing took place on the night of October 26 at Hotel Bilas Inn in the Bora Service area. The incident followed a dispute involving the hotel’s ownership, lease and management.
The deceased included hotel co-owner Helena Bharali, her elder brother Bhudev Bharali, Helena’s son Debarshi Kashyap, daughter-in-law Rinika Kashyap and family associate Narayan Das.
Four of the five victims belonged to the same family. Meanwhile, another person, identified as Satyendra Pathak, sustained gunshot injuries and survived the attack.
Police arrested Gogoi shortly after the shooting. Investigators also seized a licensed .32-bore pistol allegedly used in the incident.
Preliminary investigations linked the shooting to disagreements between the hotel owners and Gogoi, who had leased the property. The dispute reportedly involved the management of the premises and related facilities.
Lease Dispute Behind the Guwahati Hotel Firing
According to police information, the Bharali family entered into a five-year lease agreement with Gogoi on September 10, 2025. The monthly rent was approximately Rs 1.8 lakh.
However, disagreements reportedly developed after Gogoi renovated the property. The two sides allegedly differed over the use of the premises and the facilities that the hotel should provide.
A meeting was arranged on October 26 to resolve these disagreements. However, an argument reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation before the discussion could begin. Investigators said the accused allegedly opened fire during the incident.
Following the killings, Assam Police formed a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The team began examining forensic evidence, witness statements and other material to establish the sequence of events.
How the Accused Died in Police Firing
Gogoi’s death came after a separate police operation in Sivasagar district. On November 3, a Guwahati court sent him to 14 days of judicial custody after rejecting the police request for further remand.
However, Sivasagar Police subsequently took him into custody in connection with a separate 2024 Punjab National Bank loan fraud case.
According to Sivasagar Senior Superintendent of Police Papori Chetia, officers were transporting Gogoi when the incident occurred near Gaurisagar. Police said he asked to step out of the vehicle and allegedly attempted to snatch the investigating officer’s service weapon.
A scuffle followed, during which Sub-Inspector Debashish Sharma sustained injuries to his leg. Police said another officer fired his service rifle to protect his colleague.
Gogoi sustained bullet injuries and was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Meanwhile, the injured police officer received medical treatment.
The police account has placed the circumstances of the death under renewed public attention.
Court Had Earlier Ordered Protection for Gogoi
The accused’s death has also drawn attention because of an earlier court order concerning his safety.
During his initial court appearance on October 27, Gogoi’s lawyer expressed concerns about a possible encounter. Following those concerns, the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court directed the police to ensure his safety during custody.
The court also ordered supervision by a Deputy Superintendent of Police-rank officer and additional security arrangements.
These directions had prompted criticism from the victims’ relatives. They questioned why the accused received such protection while their family continued to cope with the consequences of the shooting.
Moreover, the latest development has raised questions about accountability and the need for a transparent examination of the circumstances surrounding the police firing.
Families Demand Further Investigation
Although Gogoi’s death has brought emotional relief to the victims’ relatives, they want investigators to examine the wider circumstances of the Guwahati hotel firing.
Ankita Bharali has specifically urged the authorities to identify anyone who may have encouraged or supported the alleged crime. She also wants police to investigate whether other individuals had any role in the incident.
The demand highlights an important aspect of the case. The death of the prime accused does not automatically answer every question surrounding the five killings.
Therefore, the SIT’s investigation remains important in establishing the full sequence of events and examining any possible involvement of others.
For the Bharali family, the tragedy has left a lasting loss that no development can reverse. While relatives have described Gogoi’s death as God’s justice, they also expect the authorities to pursue every remaining lead.
The focus now shifts to the continuing investigation and whether police can establish the complete circumstances behind one of Guwahati’s deadliest recent hotel shooting incidents.
Tripura CM Reviews Urban Welfare Policies with Local Body Representatives