Guwahati: Ghanakanta Gogoi, the prime accused in the October 26 Guwahati hotel shooting that claimed five lives, was killed in a police encounter in Sivasagar district early Wednesday morning.
According to police, the incident occurred when Gogoi was being transported from Guwahati to Sivasagar in connection with a separate case. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Papori Chetia said the accused allegedly attempted to snatch the service pistol of Sub-Inspector Debashish Sharma, the investigating officer accompanying the police team.
The incident reportedly occurred at Phulpanichiga in Sivasagar district after Gogoi asked permission to step out of the police vehicle to relieve himself. Police alleged that he attempted to seize the officer’s weapon, triggering a scuffle during which two to three rounds were fired.
The SSP further stated that two bullets struck the police vehicle during the struggle. Another police personnel accompanying the team subsequently opened fire to prevent further assault on the investigating officer.
Gogoi sustained bullet injuries and was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead. Sub-Inspector Debashish Sharma also sustained an injury to his right leg, though his condition was reported as stable.
Gogoi had been arrested following the October 26 shooting at Hotel Bilas Inn in Guwahati’s Ulubari area, in which five people were killed and another person was injured. The incident was reportedly triggered by a dispute between the hotel owners and Gogoi, who had leased the property.
He was initially remanded to seven days of police custody, which ended on Tuesday, November 3. He was subsequently sent to judicial custody before being taken to Sivasagar in connection with a separate case.
The encounter comes barely a week after the sensational Guwahati hotel shooting that had triggered widespread concern and calls for a thorough investigation.