Bilas Inn accused Ghanakanta Gogoi tried to snatch police revolver, says SSP; calls him trained shooter

Ghanakanta Gogoi, the prime accused in the October 26 Hotel Bilas Inn shooting in Guwahati, was killed in police firing during an alleged escape attempt near Phulpanisiga in Assam's Sivasagar district early Wednesday, November 4, police said.

Sivasagar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Papari Chetia said Gogoi allegedly tried to flee while being taken by a police team to recover weapons and attempted to snatch an officer's service revolver during a scuffle.

"Three rounds were fired from the service revolver during the struggle, and one of our officers was seriously injured," Chetia said, adding that the officer was admitted to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).

According to the SSP, the officer-in-charge of Sivasagar Sadar Police Station, who was present at the spot, subsequently fired his service weapon to overpower Gogoi and prevent his escape. Gogoi sustained bullet injuries and was declared brought dead at a hospital.

The incident took place near the highway at Phulpanisiga under Gorisagar police station limits while the police team was bringing Gogoi from Guwahati. Chetia said the team had obtained a production warrant from a Guwahati court on Monday night.

She said Gogoi, who was wanted in six cases, had told investigators that he would lead them to a location in Gorisagar to recover weapons.

Describing him as a trained shooter with considerable experience in handling firearms, the SSP said the police team had taken precautions while transporting him.

Another officer sustained minor injuries during the scuffle, while the police vehicle was also hit during the incident. The officer with minor injuries did not suffer bullet wounds, Chetia clarified.

The SSP said one of the cases against Gogoi was registered at Sivasagar Sadar Police Station in connection with an alleged Punjab National Bank loan fraud involving an excavator. He was accused of submitting forged documents to obtain the loan, following which the bank lodged a complaint, she said.

Gogoi was arrested within an hour of the October 26 shooting at Hotel Bilas Inn in Guwahati's Ulubari area, in which five people, including four members of a family associated with the hotel, were killed.