Investigators used six dummies during a nearly two-hour reconstruction at the Guwahati hotel where five people were killed on October 26.
Guwahati, November 2, 2026: Investigators probing the killing of five people at Hotel Bilas Inn in Guwahati carried out a detailed reconstruction of the shooting on Monday, taking accused Ghanakanta Gogoi back to the property under stringent security arrangements.
The exercise, conducted at the hotel near Bora Service on GS Road, formed part of the continuing investigation into the October 26 shooting that also left one person injured.
Following the reconstruction, Gogoi was taken to Paltan Bazar Police Station, where a medical team examined him as his seven-day police remand approached completion.
Police Use Six Dummies to Reconstruct Shooting
Preparations for the reconstruction began early Monday morning, with senior police officials assembling at Paltan Bazar Police Station.
Officers from different police stations under the Guwahati Police Commissionerate also participated in the arrangements before Gogoi was escorted to Hotel Bilas Inn.
Police deployed additional personnel around the hotel and restricted access to the surrounding area while the reconstruction was underway.
Investigators brought six dummies to the location to help establish how the shooting unfolded.
During the exercise, which continued for approximately two hours, Gogoi was taken through different sections of the hotel and the adjoining lane.
Police personnel also recorded the proceedings on video as part of their efforts to document the sequence of events and examine the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Investigators Collect Additional Materials from Hotel
During the reconstruction, police reportedly recovered and seized several items from the hotel premises.
However, officials have not publicly disclosed the nature of the materials collected or their possible significance to the investigation.
The reconstruction is expected to help investigators compare the accused’s account with physical evidence, witness statements and other findings.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the reconstruction itself does not establish criminal responsibility.
Ghanakanta Gogoi Undergoes Medical Examination
After completing the exercise at Hotel Bilas Inn, police escorted Gogoi back to Paltan Bazar Police Station.
Two doctors subsequently arrived at the police station to conduct his medical examination.
According to local reports, the medical team found Gogoi fit following the examination.
The development comes as his seven-day police custody period nears its conclusion. Gogoi is expected to be produced before a Guwahati court on November 3 for further legal proceedings.
Five Killed in October 26 Hotel Shooting
The case relates to the shooting that occurred at approximately 9 pm on October 26 at Hotel Bilas Inn in Guwahati’s Bora Service area.
Five people lost their lives, while another sustained gunshot injuries.
The deceased were identified as Helena Bharali, her brother Bhudev Bharali, her son Debarshi Kashyap, daughter-in-law Rinika Kashyap and Narayan Das, who was associated with the family.
Satyendra Pathak, a driver employed by the family, survived the shooting with injuries.
Police apprehended Gogoi shortly after the incident and recovered a licensed .32-bore pistol allegedly used in the attack.
Hotel Lease Dispute Under Investigation
Preliminary police findings have pointed towards disagreements involving the ownership, lease and management of Hotel Bilas Inn as a possible background to the shooting.
Gogoi had reportedly taken the hotel property on lease, and disputes subsequently emerged over the terms and use of the premises.
The Assam Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the killings and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigators are continuing to examine the available evidence, including the circumstances leading to the confrontation and the sequence of events on the night of the shooting.
Further developments are expected as the investigation progresses and the case moves through the judicial process.
