Ghanakanta Gogoi, the prime accused in the shocking Guwahati hotel shooting that claimed five lives, was killed in a police encounter in Assam’s Sivasagar district early Wednesday, November 4. The 34-year-old businessman was allegedly attempting to escape police custody while being transported from Guwahati to Sivasagar in connection with a separate criminal case. The incident took place around 3:12 am near Gaurisagar, approximately 350 kilometres from Guwahati.
Alleged Attempt to Snatch Police Weapon
According to the police account, Gogoi requested the escorting team to stop the vehicle so he could relieve himself. After stepping out, he allegedly attempted to snatch the service weapon of the investigating officer, triggering a physical confrontation. During the struggle, the officer sustained injuries. Another police personnel opened fire to prevent further assault. Gogoi suffered bullet injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The injured officer was also admitted for medical treatment.
Five People Lost Their Lives in Hotel Shooting
The encounter comes just days after the October 26 shooting at Hotel Bilas Inn in Guwahati’s Bora Service area. Gogoi allegedly opened fire following a dispute involving the hotel’s lease and management. Five people, including four members of the hotel owner’s family, were killed, while another person sustained injuries. The victims included hotel co-owner Helena Bharali, 58, and Bhudev Bharali, 65.
Separate Fraud Case Under Investigation
Gogoi was also wanted in a separate 2024 bank loan fraud case registered in Sivasagar. On Tuesday, November 3, he was produced before a Guwahati court and sent to judicial custody after his police remand ended. Sivasagar Police subsequently took him into custody in connection with the separate case. His death in the encounter has now added another major development to the high-profile Guwahati shooting investigation.