Ghanakanta Gogoi, a Guwahati-based businessman accused of shooting five people dead near a city hotel over a lease dispute, was killed in an encounter early on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, while allegedly attempting to escape police custody.
The incident occurred around 3:12 AM near Gaurisagar in Assam’s Sibsagar district, approximately 350 km from Guwahati. Gogoi was being transported to Sibsagar in connection with a separate vehicle loan cheating and forgery case when he reportedly made an escape attempt.
Custodial Escape Attempt and Police Action
According to Sibsagar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Papori Chetia, the police convoy stopped near Gaurisagar following a request by the accused:
- Weapon Snatching Attempt: After alighting from the vehicle, Gogoi allegedly engaged in a physical scuffle with the investigating officer in an attempt to snatch his service weapon.
- Firing and Casualties: To protect the senior officer during the scuffle, another police officer fired at Gogoi. The accused sustained bullet injuries and was declared brought dead upon arrival at the Sibsagar Civil Hospital. An injured police officer was also admitted for treatment.
Background: The Guwahati Mass Shooting
The encounter follows the high-profile mass shooting on October 26, 2026, near Hotel Bilas Inn in Guwahati’s Bora Service area:
- The Incident: Gogoi allegedly opened fire on six individuals over an escalating dispute regarding the hotel’s lease, which he had operated for a year. Five people, including hotel owner Helena Bharali (58), died on the spot.
- Custody Transit: After spending a week in police custody, Gogoi was remanded to judicial custody by a Guwahati court on Tuesday, November 3. However, Sibsagar Police took him into custody the same evening for investigation into an earlier fraud case.
