GUWAHATI: An expired lease agreement and discussions over its renewal have emerged as a key angle in the investigation into Monday night’s shooting near Bora Service on GS Road in Guwahati, which left five people dead.
The accused, Ghanakanta Gogoi, had reportedly taken Hotel Bilas Inn on lease around a year ago and was present for discussions on renewing the agreement after its expiry. Preliminary information suggests that a dispute broke out during the meeting.
According to preliminary reports, Gogoi had allegedly not paid rent for a year and had outstanding electricity dues. Police are investigating whether the alleged financial dispute played a role in the shooting.
The deceased have been identified as Helena Bharali, her son Debarshi Ishan Kashyap, Debarshi’s wife Rinika, Helena’s brother Bhudev Bharali and Narayan Das, reportedly Bhudev’s caretaker.
The deaths have left Debarshi and Rinika’s two children, a seven-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy, without their parents.
Satyendra Pathak, a driver who sustained injuries in the incident, is undergoing treatment at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
Police said the accused allegedly used a .32-calibre pistol in the shooting. Gogoi has been arrested, and investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the expired lease and the discussions over its renewal.
