Tension flared across Assam’s Baksa district on Wednesday after five individuals accused in the death of iconic singer Zubeen Garg were brought to the District Jail, sparking large-scale violence and chaos. As police vehicles carrying the accused entered the jail premises, an agitated crowd of supporters gathered outside, demanding swift justice for the late singer. The situation quickly spiraled out of control as the protesters began pelting stones at the convoy, damaging several police vehicles, including a van, in their fury.
The five accused—event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeen’s manager Siddharth Sharma, his cousin and suspended Assam Police Service officer Sandipan Garg, along with two personal security officers, including Nandeswar Bora—had earlier been sent to judicial custody by the Chief Judicial Magistrate. Their arrival at the jail premises, however, triggered violent reactions from hundreds of enraged fans who viewed the arrests as only the beginning of a larger fight for accountability.
Police officials, overwhelmed by the intensity of the protests, were forced to take strict measures to regain control. Tear gas shells were fired, and warning shots were discharged into the air to disperse the angry mob. Amid the pandemonium, one police vehicle was set ablaze, further escalating the tension. Authorities swiftly deployed additional personnel to prevent the situation from worsening and imposed strict security around the jail complex and nearby areas. Officials later confirmed that while the environment remained tense, it was brought under control through coordinated police intervention.
The death of Zubeen Garg, a beloved cultural icon of Assam and one of the most recognized voices in Indian music, has deeply unsettled his fans and the Assamese community at large. His sudden demise in Singapore on September 19, during what was initially reported as a recreational sea outing, shocked millions. The 52-year-old artist, who achieved nationwide fame with songs like “Ya Ali,” was scheduled to perform at the North East Festival the following day. Reports suggest that Garg fell ill during the outing and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was admitted to intensive care but could not be revived.
What began as a tragic accident narrative soon transformed into an alleged homicide case after Zubeen’s wife, Garima, and several close followers raised suspicions of foul play. They alleged inconsistencies in the accounts surrounding his death, leading to public outcry and widespread protests across Assam. Responding to the growing pressure, the Assam government, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a thorough probe into the matter. The SIT has since arrested five individuals closely associated with the singer’s professional circle, including event organisers and personal staff.
Reacting to the violent incidents in Baksa, Chief Minister Sarma condemned the mob attacks, calling them “unlawful and counterproductive.” He accused certain political forces of attempting to exploit Zubeen’s death to incite unrest and destabilize the state. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace, Sarma appealed to the people of Assam to trust the investigation process and allow the SIT to perform its duties without interference. He warned that those found responsible for instigating violence or spreading misinformation would face severe legal action.
As of now, law enforcement authorities remain on high alert across Baksa and adjoining districts, anticipating further demonstrations from aggrieved supporters. The investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death continues under intense public scrutiny, with demands for justice resonating across Assam’s cities and villages. For millions of fans, the loss of their beloved singer remains both an emotional wound and a rallying cry for accountability and truth.
