Five people were killed in the October 26 firing, with investigators examining a suspected lease dispute as two young children are left without both parents
Guwahati: The investigation into the fatal shooting at Hotel Bilas Inn in Guwahati’s Bora Service area is focusing on a suspected dispute over the hotel’s lease agreement, while reports that the accused was wearing camera-equipped Meta smart glasses have added another dimension to the case.
Five people were killed and one injured in the firing around 9 pm on October 26. The injured survivor, driver Satyendra Pathak, is undergoing treatment at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
The accused, Ghanakanta Gogoi, who had reportedly leased the hotel around a year ago, was arrested within an hour of the incident. Police seized a .32-calibre pistol allegedly used in the shooting.
Preliminary reports suggest the lease had expired and discussions over its renewal preceded the attack. Allegations of unpaid rent and outstanding electricity dues have also surfaced, though investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the dispute.
The deceased have been identified as hotel owner Helena Bharali, her son Debarshi Ishan Kashyap, daughter-in-law Rinika, Helena’s brother Bhudev Bharali and Narayan Das, reportedly Bhudev’s caretaker.
The tragedy has also left Debarshi and Rinika’s two young children without their parents. Reports differ on the children’s ages, and their current care arrangements have not been confirmed.
Meanwhile, the reported Meta smart glasses could provide investigators with additional evidence if they recorded the confrontation. It remains unclear whether footage exists, has been recovered or captures the shooting.
Police are continuing their investigation to establish the sequence of events and the circumstances behind the attack.
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