Main Suspect in Guwahati Hotel Shooting Killed in Police Encounter

In a dramatic turn of events, Ghanakant Gogoi, the main suspect in the Guwahati hotel shooting that left five dead, was killed in a police encounter. Authorities claim he attempted to seize a weapon while being transported for questioning. The incident has raised questions about police conduct and the ongoing investigation into the hotel shooting. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the circumstances surrounding Gogoi's death and the earlier shooting incident. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on edge, seeking answers and accountability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 4, 2026, 18:40 IST

Incident Overview

Guwahati. The primary suspect in the shocking hotel shooting in Guwahati, Ghanakant Gogoi (34), was killed in a police encounter on Tuesday. Authorities stated that he was being transported to Sivasagar for questioning related to another case when he attempted to escape by seizing a weapon from the officers. During the struggle, a police officer was severely injured, prompting the personal security officer to fire at Gogoi. He was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival, as confirmed by Senior Superintendent of Police Papori Chetia.

Background of the Shooting Incident

According to police reports, Gogoi had been arrested by Sivasagar police on Tuesday in connection with a bank fraud case from 2024. Following his arrest for the hotel shooting, he was remanded to judicial custody. While being taken to Sivasagar, the incident occurred in the Gaurisagar area. SSP Chetia explained that Gogoi was taken out of the police vehicle for a restroom break when he allegedly tried to grab the service weapon of the investigating officer, leading to a violent confrontation.

Details of the Hotel Shooting

The tragic shooting incident took place on the night of October 26, 2026, at Hotel Bilas Inn in the Ulubari service area of Guwahati, resulting in the deaths of five individuals and injuring one. The deceased were identified as Bhudev Bharali (65), his sister Helena (58), his son Debarshi Kashyap (39), daughter-in-law Rinika Kashyap (30), and family employee Narayan Das (48). The family driver, Satyendra Pathak, was injured in the attack, which sent shockwaves throughout Assam.

Underlying Disputes

Initial investigations revealed that the shooting stemmed from a long-standing dispute between Gogoi and the hotel property owners regarding the lease agreement, rental payments, and property usage. Following the shooting, Gogoi was apprehended, and a licensed .32 caliber pistol was recovered from him. Authorities believe that the ongoing conflict escalated into violence, leading to the tragic event.

Details of the Lease Agreement

The Bharali family had entered into a five-year lease agreement with Gogoi on September 10, 2025, with a monthly rent of approximately ₹1.8 lakh. After the agreement, Gogoi undertook renovations on the property. However, disagreements over property usage and lease conditions arose, escalating tensions between the parties.

Attempt to Resolve Disputes

To address the ongoing issues, a meeting was scheduled at the hotel on October 26 to discuss the lease and rental disputes. However, before the meeting could commence, an argument erupted, leading to a physical altercation. Police allege that during this confrontation, Gogoi opened fire on those present, resulting in five fatalities and serious injuries to the family driver.

Ongoing Investigations

Gogoi's arrest was not limited to the hotel shooting; he was also wanted in connection with a bank fraud case in Sivasagar dating back to 2024. The complaint was filed by the then-manager of Punjab National Bank, Debabrata Buragohain. SSP Chetia noted that the investigation into the fraud case had been ongoing, but Gogoi had evaded capture until his recent arrest.

Formation of Special Investigation Team

In light of Gogoi's death, Assam police have established a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the police encounter. The SIT will examine the events that transpired after Gogoi was removed from the police vehicle and the conditions that necessitated the use of force. Meanwhile, Gogoi's family has raised concerns about the police's actions, alleging that the encounter was premeditated and demanding accountability for the involved officers.

Concerns Over Investigation Integrity

Questions have also been raised regarding the investigation into the five murders at the hotel. Shortly after the incident, three members of the SIT were transferred from Guwahati, raising concerns about the impartiality of the investigation. On Monday, police took Gogoi to the crime scene under heavy security to reconstruct the events and gather evidence.

Current Status of the Investigation

The SIT is currently conducting its investigation into the police encounter that resulted in Gogoi's death. While police maintain that Gogoi attempted to seize a weapon and posed a threat, his family contends that the encounter was a planned attack. The findings of the SIT will be crucial in clarifying the true circumstances surrounding this incident.