Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed concern over the death of Ghanakanta Gogoi, the prime accused in the Hotel Bilas Inn shooting case, describing the police encounter in Sivasagar as an unfortunate incident that should not have occurred.
Speaking to the media on Friday, November 6, the Chief Minister maintained that Gogoi’s death was neither intentional nor an act of justice delivered by the police. He emphasised that the responsibility of delivering justice rests with the judiciary and that law enforcement agencies cannot take the law into their own hands.
Sarma explained that, according to the police account, Gogoi allegedly attempted to attack officers with a firearm while being transported for further investigation. He said the police personnel responded to the perceived threat in self-defence, resulting in Gogoi sustaining fatal bullet injuries.
The Chief Minister also described Gogoi as a professional shooter while commenting on the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, he stressed that the encounter should not be viewed as an example of instant justice, as criminal cases must be dealt with through the established legal process.
To examine the circumstances leading to Gogoi’s death, Sarma confirmed that a magisterial inquiry would be conducted. The inquiry is expected to investigate the events surrounding the police firing and establish the facts of the incident.
Ghanakanta Gogoi, aged 34, was the prime accused in the October 26 shooting at Hotel Bilas Inn in Guwahati’s Bora Service area, where five people lost their lives and another person sustained injuries. The deadly incident was reportedly linked to a dispute concerning the lease and management of the hotel.
On November 4, Gogoi was being taken to Sivasagar in connection with a separate case when the encounter occurred around 3:10 AM in the Gaurisagar area. According to Sivasagar Senior Superintendent of Police Papori Chetia, Gogoi allegedly attempted to seize an officer’s service weapon during a halt and escape from custody.
Police claimed that a confrontation followed, forcing an officer to open fire to protect fellow personnel. Gogoi sustained gunshot injuries and was subsequently taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead.
The Chief Minister’s announcement of a magisterial inquiry comes amid questions surrounding the circumstances of Gogoi’s death in police custody. Further developments are awaited as the authorities examine the incident.
