Guwahati Hotel Owner, Four Family Members Shot Dead Amid Lease Dispute; Accused Arrested

Five people, including four members of the same family, were shot dead at Hotel Bilas Inn in Guwahati on Monday night following an alleged dispute over the property's lease agreement. One person was injured in the firing, which took place in the city's busy Bora Service area.

Police arrested the accused, identified as Ghanakanta Gogoi, who had leased the hotel, within an hour of the incident. A licensed 32-bore pistol allegedly used in the shooting was also seized.

Five Killed, One Injured in Shooting

The hotel owner Helena Bharali, her brother Bhudev Bharali, their driver Narayan Das, their daughter-in-law, Riniki Kashyap and their son Devarshi Kashyap have been identified as the deceased.

Satyendra Pathak, the injured survivor, is being treated at a hospital. A high-ranking medical officer of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital said he was stable.

According to the commissioner of Guwahati Police, Dr Partha Sarathi Mahanta, the shooting was done around 9 pm. Six people sustained gunshot wounds, but five of them died. Of the four, three were relatives and the fifth victim from the same village as the injured survivor, he added.

Preliminary Probe Points to Lease Dispute

According to the police commissioner, the preliminary investigation indicates that the shooting was linked to a dispute over the hotel's lease agreement. Gogoi had reportedly taken the property on lease around a year ago.

Police teams reached the spot soon after the incident and launched an operation to apprehend those responsible. The accused was arrested within an hour, and the weapon allegedly used in the shooting was recovered.

Investigators are questioning the accused to establish the sequence of events and determine the circumstances that led to the firing. The victims' bodies are being sent for post-mortem examinations.

Assam Congress Raises Law and Order Concerns

The shooting triggered criticism from the Assam Congress, which questioned the state of law and order in Guwahati.

In a post on X, the party expressed concern over public safety and extended condolences to the victims' families. It also urged the state government to take immediate action and ensure accountability.

The investigation is underway, with police examining the circumstances surrounding the dispute and the shooting.

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Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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