GUWAHATI: A shocking incident unfolded on October 12, when a 27-year-old man named Anjan Nath was shot in front of Ganesh Mandir, near Koinadhora Traffic Point in Khanapara, Guwahati. The tragic incident led to the immediate launch of a police investigation. Anjan Nath, a resident of Lata Kota, Basistha, was rushed to Metro Hospital for emergency treatment but, tragically, succumbed to his gunshot wounds.
The incident prompted a formal investigation, leading to the registration of Basistha Police Station Case No. 621/23 under sections 120(B)/302 of the Indian Penal Code, read with Section 25 (1)(A) and 27 (1)(A) of the Arms Act. Ajay Nath, the victim's elder brother, filed the First Information Report (FIR).
The investigation has so far revealed a complicated web of relationships and conspiracies that preceded the fatal shooting. It is alleged that the shooting was a result of a tumultuous love affair.
The victim, Anjan Nath, and a woman named Gitashree Sinha developed a romantic relationship and started living together. Gitashree's parents were not pleased with their daughter's involvement with Anjan, and similarly, Anjan's family disapproved of his choice.
Importantly, there was neither a registered nor a social marriage between Anjan and Gitashree. Anjan developed an alcohol dependency due to mounting family pressures and disputes centred on his relationship with Gitashree.
Anjan and Gitashree initially lived with Anjan's family but later moved to a rented house in Hengerabari. After the death of Anjan's father a month prior to the shooting, the couple returned to his parental home.
Saurabh Goenka, a prime accused in the case, developed a secret romantic relationship with Gitashree, who he met during his visits to the massage parlour she worked in. He took the help of black magic to separate Gitashree from Anjan, and when this failed, he planned to eliminate Anjan.
Saurabh acquired a pistol from Bihar with the help of Govind Ray, who runs a small dairy business. They used a cargo shipment disguised as a bag of "Chattu" flour to bring the weapon to Guwahati.
Saurabh, along with accomplices, stalked Anjan’s regular routes and identified the perfect moment to carry out the assassination. He was in constant contact with Gitashree during the execution of the plan.
The investigation has led to the arrest of several suspects, including Saurabh Goenka, Govind Kumar, Arbind Ray, Ajit Sinha, Jharna Sinha, and Gitashree Sinha. Seized items include a motorcycle, an empty cartridge, and six mobile phones.