GOALPARA: At least six persons sustained bullet injuries when a 70-year-old man opened fire in the midst of the town here on Monday. The incident took place in broad daylight.
The accused person has been identified as Animesh Chandra Roy alias Madhu (70) while the injured persons are Ranjit Das, Swapan Das, Dipankar Das, Rinku Das, Moidul Islam and Gitumoni Das.
All the injured persons were immediately admitted to a private hospital. Among them, the conditions of Ranjit, Gitumoni and Rinku are reported to be critical. All of them have been referred to Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
According to the sources, the incident occurred when former Municipal Counselor Debo Nath accompanied by two or three of his friends arrived outside the multi-storied residence of Animesh Chandra Roy at Goaltuli Old Crematorium; and began shouting at him.
The accused — Animesh Chandra Roy — allegedly brought out his licensed shotgun and began firing indiscriminately from atop the building. At this, the three companions of Debo Nath, two passersby and a woman from the neighborhood sustained bullet injuries.
Additional Superintendent of Police, Goalpara, Amitabh Basumatary said, "The 70-year-old person had fired two rounds of bullets from his licensed Double Barrel Breach Loading (DBBL) gun. After investigation, we have apprehended him and seized his gun. Investigation is on to find out the motive behind the shootout."
The police officer added, "A 70-year-old man wouldn't fire without any rhyme or reason. So, everything will be clear after the investigation."
On the other hand, sources also claimed that Debo Nath and Animesh Roy were not on good terms with the accused person. A few years back, Debo Nath had allegedly physically abused Animesh's son for some unknown reasons, they added.
The public has urged the authorities concerned to insituitute a detailed and impartial inquiry into the incident.