Guwahati, 27 October (HS): Preliminary police enquiry into the shooting incident at Hotel Vilas Inn in Guwahati, in which five people were killed, has revealed that the accused, Ghanakanta Gogoi, allegedly had a history of criminal activities, fraud and intimidation.

According to preliminary findings, Gogoi had allegedly sent his wife and daughter from their rented accommodation in the Bhetapara area of Guwahati to Tezpur in an Uber before the shooting. He reportedly left the rented house in a vehicle shortly afterwards.

Gogoi's native place is Jaypur Lebangkula in Naharkatia of Dibrugarh district. According to preliminary information, after the shooting, he telephoned his family members at his native place and informed them about the incident. He allegedly told his sister-in-law that he had killed six people in self-defence, according to accounts attributed to his family members.

The preliminary inquiry has also brought to light an alleged history of intimidation and violence in Jorhat. In 2024, a case was reportedly registered against Gogoi at Pulibor Police Station following complaints by Jitu Khan and Madhurjya Goswami.

According to the complainants, Gogoi allegedly threatened and assaulted people while displaying a firearm. They also alleged that he had entered into an agreement to purchase a house but failed to pay the agreed amount and subsequently threatened the owner with death.

The latest revelations have added a new dimension to the investigation into the shooting at Hotel Vilas Inn, where five people were reportedly shot dead on Monday night. Further details are expected to emerge as the police investigation progresses.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash