Guwahati: Panic gripped the heart of Assam’s capital after an indiscriminate firing incident at Hotel Bilas left at least five people dead and several others grievously injured. The shocking mass shooting took place in the busy Ulubari area, prompting immediate deployment from multiple police stations to secure the perimeter and restore order.
According to preliminary reports, an armed assailant opened fire inside the hotel premises, discharging multiple rounds. When some bystanders and hotel staff attempted to intervene and disarm the shooter, they were caught in the deadly crossfire. While initial reports and eyewitness accounts indicate five fatalities, official police numbers currently stand slightly lower as the investigation unfolds.
Guwahati Police Commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta addressed the media, confirming the immediate casualties and the ongoing police action. “An unfortunate incident has occurred in the heart of Guwahati today,” Mahanta stated. “We have recovered four bodies and accordingly sent them to the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for a post-mortem. We will apprehend the culprits soon.”
Investigators have made a crucial breakthrough by recovering the weapon used in the crime—a .32-bore licensed pistol. Authorities have launched a massive search operation across the city to track down the suspect who fled the scene amidst the chaos.
Police revealed that the property, Hotel Bilas, is originally owned by Helena Bharali, who had leased it out to different operators. Investigators are now questioning the management and examining the lease agreements to uncover any potential motives, business disputes, or personal rivalries that might have triggered the bloodbath.
The brazen attack has sparked sharp political reactions, with the opposition Assam Congress heavily criticizing the state administration over the deteriorating law and order situation. Taking to the social media platform X, the state Congress unit posted that the alarming security failure in Guwahati raises grave questions about public safety in Assam. Offering condolences to the victims’ families, the party demanded that the government take immediate steps and fix accountability for the administrative lapse.
Heavy security remains deployed around the Ulubari area as the police continue their intense manhunt and investigate the motive behind the fatal shooting.