Guwahati, 27 October (HS): Five people, including two women and three men, were killed in a shooting at Hotel Vilas Inn in the Bora Service area of GS Road in Guwahati on Monday night. Another person sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).

Guwahati Police Commissioner Dr Partha Sarathi Mahanta confirmed the incident and said the bodies would undergo post-mortem examination on Tuesday.

According to preliminary information, the shooting was allegedly carried out by Ghanakanta Gogoi, who had taken the hotel on lease. The accused was arrested by Paltan Bazar Police within approximately an hour of the incident. Police have also recovered his licensed .32-bore pistol, which was allegedly used in the shooting. He is currently being interrogated.

The deceased have been identified as hotel owner Helena B Bharali, her son Devarshi Kashyap, her daughter-in-law Riniki Bharali, her elder brother Bhudev Bharali, and an employee named Narayan. The injured person has been identified as Satyen Pathak, a driver, who is receiving treatment at GMCH.

Police said all five deceased belonged to the same family. The family resided on one floor of the hotel's upper storey and two young children also live in the household.

According to preliminary reports, Gogoi had taken the hotel on lease from Helena Bharali about a year ago. A dispute had reportedly arisen over the lease agreement. After the lease period expired, Gogoi allegedly visited Helena on Monday night to discuss the matter. During the meeting, he reportedly opened fire with his licensed pistol.

Meanwhile, the Congress, the principal opposition party in Assam, criticised the state government's handling of law and order and targeted Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over the incident.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash