Fans of late singer Zubeen Garg erupted in protest outside Baksa Jail in Assam after five accused in his death case were transferred there on Wednesday. The situation turned tense as hundreds of supporters clashed with security forces, throwing stones and slippers at police, accusing the authorities of protecting the accused.
Allegations of Special Treatment
Protesters expressed anger that the accused were moved to a newly built, empty jail with modern facilities. They alleged that the government was offering VIP treatment to those facing grave charges in Garg’s mysterious death.
The accused include NEIF chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, the singer’s manager Siddhartha Sharma, cousin Sandipan Garg, and two personal security officers — all remanded to judicial custody earlier this week.
Court-Ordered Transfer Sparks Outrage
Officials clarified that the Kamrup Chief Judicial Magistrate ordered the transfer to Baksa Jail owing to security concerns. Authorities followed the order, but the decision triggered widespread outrage among fans demanding justice for the beloved singer.
Murder Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Mahanta and Sharma were arrested in Delhi on October 1 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), initially on charges of culpable homicide and conspiracy, with murder charges added later. Assam Police DSP Sandipan Garg, also Zubeen’s cousin, was arrested on October 8 and suspended from service. Two PSOs were detained for questioning about their conduct in Singapore, where Garg tragically drowned.
More Arrests and Financial Angle
The CID has expanded its probe to investigate money laundering and benami property deals linked to Mahanta. Two additional associates — Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta — have also been arrested. Officials confirmed that the case is now being treated as both a criminal and financial investigation.
SIT Pursues Key Witnesses
Assam’s Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta stated that three Assamese nationals — Sushmita Goswami, Pratim Bhuyan, and Debojyoti Hazarika — have already been interrogated. Out of 11 witnesses summoned, 10 have joined the probe, with one, Singaporean citizen Wajed Ahmed, awaiting clearance under international protocols.
Fake Reports and Clarifications
Police warned against circulating fake post-mortem reports, labeling such acts as criminal offences. The authentic report from Singaporean authorities has been received, confirming the investigation remains active and transparent.
Singapore Cooperates with Indian Investigators
Singapore’s government has officially responded to Assam Police’s MLAT request, seeking further details on the visiting officers. An Assam Police team will soon travel there to collect crucial evidence about Zubeen Garg’s death on September 19.
Fans Demand Justice for Assam’s Icon
Zubeen Garg’s passing has sparked over 60 FIRs across Assam, with massive public outcry demanding truth and accountability. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed the CID to lead a consolidated, fair probe into the singer’s death that stunned millions of fans.
Also Read: Zubeen Garg death investigation: Musician arrested-more arrests feared
