The Guwahati High Court on Tuesday set a 7‑day custody period for Ghanakanta Gogoi, the man accused of killing five people at Hotel Bilas Inn last Monday night. The judge ordered daily medical examinations, an accompanying DSP‑rank officer during evidence recovery, and strict security for operations before dawn or after dusk. Police are also directed to supply basic necessities and to prevent any custodial torture.
Investigators say the shooting erupted from a dispute over a five‑year lease signed on 10 September 2025 between Gogoi and the Bharali family, owners of the hotel. The lease carried a monthly rent of approximately ₹1.8 lakh, but tensions rose after Gogoi renovated the property and altered its facilities. A meeting scheduled to resolve the dispute turned violent before it could begin, leading Gogoi to allegedly open fire on six people.
Victims identified as Bhudev Bharali, his sister Helena, her son Debarshi Kashyap, daughter‑in‑law Rinika Kashyap, and staffer Narayan Das were killed; driver Satyendra Pathak was injured. The police have formed a Special Investigation Team to probe the incident and will now monitor Gogoi under the court’s directives.
Gogoi’s lawyer has filed a general petition demanding protection from custodial abuse. After the seven‑day remand, the case is slated to proceed to trial, with the court likely to review the evidence recovered under the newly imposed conditions.