Goalpara shootout: Cops arrest 70-year-old man, seize gun

GUWAHATI:

Assam Police have arrested a 70-year-old man after he allegedly fired indiscriminately from atop his multi-storied residence, injuring six people, including passers-by, in the heart of Goalpara town, police confirmed on Tuesday.

The accused, identified as Animesh Chandra Roy, has been arrested and his licensed gun seized by police.

The injured persons, identified as Ranjit Das, Swapan Das, Dipankar Das, Rinku Das, Moidul Islam and a woman, Gitumoni Das, were injured and immediately admitted to a private hospital.

Among them, four are reported to be in critical condition and were referred to Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).

According to police sources, the incident occurred on Monday when former municipal councillor Debo Nath accompanied by his friends came to Roy’s residence near Goyatuli old crematorium.

Reportedly, Roy had earlier gone to Nath’s residence with a sharp weapon looking for him.

“The septuagenarian, in a fit of rage, damaged Nath’s car, home furniture, a television set, etc after he came to know that the former municipal councillor was not at home,” police sources said.

According to sources, the accused had also threatened Nath’s mother and wife, wielding his weapon. But after they raised a hue and cry, he fled.

"We have arrested the man who had fired two rounds of bullets from his licensed double barrel breech-loading gun. The gun has been seized. Further investigation is on to ascertain the motive behind the firing even as we suspect personal rivalry," Goalpara additional superintendent of police, Amitabh Basumatary told this correspondent on Tuesday.

“Four persons have been referred to GMCH after they suffered splinter injuries,” Basumatary said.

(Edited by Andre Kongri)