The situation in Assam’s Baksa district, which witnessed violent clashes during the transfer of five individuals arrested in connection with late singer Zubeen Garg’s death, is now reported to be “under control,” police said on Thursday.
The unrest erupted on Wednesday when a mob attacked the convoy carrying the accused to Baksa District Jail in Mushalpur, setting vehicles ablaze and pelting stones. Police used batons and tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Security forces have since been deployed in and around the jail to prevent further violence.
Over 10 people involved in the attack have been detained and are being interrogated. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) remain in effect in Mushalpur town and nearby areas, and mobile internet services have been suspended across Baksa district until further notice.
Assam Director General of Police Harmeet Singh, who visited Baksa late Wednesday, urged citizens to maintain peace. “We all want justice for Zubeen Garg, but it must come through lawful procedures. We are coordinating internationally for a thorough investigation, and justice will be ensured,” Singh said, adding that the SIT’s probe is progressing well with full cooperation from Singapore authorities.
Violence broke out when protesters demanded public custody of the accused, resulting in injuries among police personnel, locals, and journalists. Several vehicles, including those of security forces and media, were torched.
The five accused — North East India Festival chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeen’s manager Siddhartha Sharma, his cousin and police officer Sandipan Garg, and personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya — were sent to judicial custody after their police remand ended. They were transferred to the newly inaugurated Baksa Jail following directions from the Kamrup Chief Judicial Magistrate to house them in a facility with minimal occupancy.
Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore on September 19, reportedly after drowning while swimming in the sea.
