A video of the Guwahati hotel shooting has emerged, showing a man entering what appears to be a shop and shooting at another man point-blank. Five people have died in the incident, and the Assam police have formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the mass murder.
According to police, the incident was triggered by a dispute between the hotel owner and the person who had taken it on lease.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic firing incident at Ulubari Hotel Bilas Inn, Guwahati, in which five people have reportedly lost their lives. The victims have been identified as Helena Bharali, the owner of the hotel; her son Devarshi Kashyap; Devarshi’s wife Rinika Kashyap; Narayan Das, a relative of the family; and Bhudev Bharali, Helena’s brother. Satyendra Pathak, who is the man in the video seen falling after being hit by a bullet in the back of the shoulder, survived. “Following renovation of the property by the accused, disagreements reportedly arose regarding the use of the premises and provision of certain facilities. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” the Jorhat MP wrote on X. “This incident raises serious concerns about public safety and the law and order situation in Guwahati. As Chief Minister and Home Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma must take responsibility and pay more attention to rising crime,” he added.
A meeting was scheduled at the hotel on 26 October 2026 to resolve these issues.
The incident was triggered by a dispute between the hotel owner and the person who had taken it on lease, according to police. However, even before the meeting could formally commence, an argument escalated into a physical altercation, following which the accused opened fire on six persons,” the police said. “The SIT will undertake a comprehensive investigation into the incident, including examination of forensic evidence, statements of witnesses, the circumstances leading to the firing and all other relevant aspects of the case,” it added. State Congress president Gaurav Gogoi said the incident raises serious concerns about the law and order situation in Guwahati.
