SIVASAGAR |  Ghanakanta Gogoi, prime accused in the October 26 Bilas Inn shooting in Guwahati that left five people dead, was killed in police firing near Phulpanisiga in Sivasagar district early Wednesday after allegedly attempting to escape custody and snatch a police officer’s service revolver. The incident occurred around 3.10 am near Rongmon Dhaba, under Gorisagar police station, while a police team was taking him from Guwahati to recover weapons allegedly linked to the case. One police personnel was seriously injured in the ensuing struggle and another sustained minor injuries.

Sivasagar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Papari Chetia said Gogoi had offered to lead the police team to a location in Gorisagar to recover weapons. During the journey, he allegedly attempted to flee and tried to snatch an officer’s service revolver, triggering a scuffle.

According to Chetia, three rounds were fired from the officer’s service revolver during the struggle, leaving one police personnel seriously injured. The injured officer was admitted to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for treatment.

The officer-in-charge of Sivasagar Sadar Police Station, who was accompanying the team, subsequently fired his service weapon to overpower Gogoi and prevent his escape. Gogoi sustained bullet injuries and was taken to hospital, where he was declared brought dead, the SSP said.

The police vehicle was also hit during the exchange of fire. Chetia clarified that the second injured officer had sustained minor injuries but had not suffered any bullet wounds.

Describing Gogoi as a trained shooter with considerable experience in handling firearms, the SSP said the police had taken precautions while transporting him. She added that he was wanted in six cases.

The police team had obtained a production warrant from a Guwahati court on Tuesday night to bring Gogoi to Sivasagar in connection with an alleged loan fraud case registered at Sivasagar Sadar Police Station.

According to the SSP, Gogoi had allegedly secured a loan from Punjab National Bank (PNB) to purchase an excavator by submitting forged documents. After scrutinising the documents, the bank lodged a complaint, leading to the registration of the case.

Gogoi was arrested within an hour of the October 26 shooting at Hotel Bilas Inn in Guwahati’s Ulubari area. The attack claimed five lives, including those of four members of a family associated with the hotel, while another person was injured.

He had subsequently been sent to judicial custody after police did not seek further remand. His death in Sivasagar comes as investigations into the hotel shooting and the other cases against him were underway.