Guwahati, 26 October (HS): At least five people, including a woman and a police personnel, were killed in a shooting incident at Hotel Vilas Inn in the Bora Service area of GS Road, Ulubari, Guwahati, on Monday night. The incident occurred at around 9 pm, leaving several people injured. The injured were rushed to Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for treatment.

The accused allegedly opened indiscriminate fire inside the hotel before fleeing the scene. However, Paltan Bazar Police later claimed to have arrested the accused named Ghanakanta Gogoi after an intensive search operation and the pistol used in the firing has also recovered.

According to preliminary reports, four people died at the spot, while another succumbed to injuries while being taken to GMCH. Among the deceased were hotel owner Helena Bharali, her son Devarshi Kashyap, her daughter and husband. The other deceased were identified as Narayan Das and Chaitanya Pathak (42). Satyen Pathak is undergoing treatment at GMCH.

Guwahati Police Commissioner Dr Partha Sarathi Mahanta said a police team rushed to the spot after receiving information about the shooting. Several injured persons were rescued and taken to the hospital, where doctors declared five people dead.

Senior police officials, along with CID and forensic teams, reached the hotel and launched an investigation. The premises have been sealed as part of the probe. Local residents reported hearing around seven rounds of gunfire.

Although the motive behind the shooting has not been officially established, preliminary accounts from local residents pointed towards a possible family dispute and property-related conflict. Investigators are also examining the suspected involvement of contract killers.

Police are investigating all possible angles to establish the circumstances leading to the incident.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash