Protests erupted into violence outside Baksa Jail in Assam on October 15 as five men accused in the death of celebrated singer Zubeen Garg were transferred to judicial custody. Supporters of Garg, demanding justice and transparency, clashed with police, resulting in injuries to protestors and police personnel, alongside vehicles being torched.
Authorities have since imposed prohibitory orders and enhanced security across the district. The case, investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under Assam Police, continues to stir emotions throughout the state, with calls from officials and Garg’s fans alike for a fair and thorough investigation.
Chaos as Accused Sent to Baksa Jail
The situation became volatile Wednesday as a convoy carrying the five accused-event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, manager Siddharth Sharma, cousin and police officer Sandipan Garg, and two personal security officers-arrived at the newly constructed, high-security Baksa District Jail. Hundreds of Garg’s fans gathered outside the premises, chanting slogans and waving placards demanding swift justice.
As police vehicles neared the gates, some protestors pelted stones, damaging several cars and setting at least one vehicle ablaze. Law enforcement responded with baton charges, warning shots, and tear gas to disperse the agitated crowd.
“We had no choice but to resort to minimal force as a last resort when attempts to reason with the crowd failed,” stated Inspector General Akhilesh Singh. Government advocate Pradip Konwar separately confirmed that no bail pleas were filed for the accused and the court mandated a 14-day judicial custody, directing the authorities to ensure their safety in jail.
Background and Investigation
Zubeen Garg, a cultural icon in Assam and beloved nationwide, died during a sea outing in Singapore on September 19, 2025. Initially ruled a tragic accident, suspicions soon surfaced from his wife Garima and several key supporters, who alleged foul play and demanded a full probe into the circumstances surrounding his death.
This led Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to assemble a Special Investigation Team under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The team has so far arrested and interrogated a total of seven individuals, including those who were with the singer on the ill-fated outing.
The case has broadened to include charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, with Singaporean authorities conducting a parallel inquiry as well. Special DGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta urged calm, clarifying in a public statement that controversial post-mortem documents circulating online were not genuine and that the investigation would be thorough and fact-based.
Assam On the Boil: Calls for Peace and Political Overtones
The days following Garg’s death have witnessed a surge of public grief and anger, with marches and candlelight vigils held across Assam. The situation reached fever pitch with Wednesday’s violence at Baksa Jail. Chief Minister Sarma condemned the unrest and alleged that political opponents were attempting to exploit public outrage for electoral gain, stating, “Attempts to politicise such a sensitive case will not be tolerated. Let police and the courts do their work.”
Appeals for calm have also come from Assamese community leaders and members of Garg’s family. Internet services were suspended in Baksa, and rapid action forces deployed to forestall further violence. The five accused will remain in judicial custody, separated from other inmates for their protection.
Meanwhile, the state government has vowed to act decisively against any future disruptions, but also to ensure the investigation is transparent and just.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Allowing violence to overshadow dialogue risks undermining the very justice Zubeen Garg’s admirers seek. While the anguish and suspicion that follow such a loss are understandable, peace, patience, and vigilant oversight are more powerful than protest fueled by rage.
The Logical Indian stands with Assam’s call for justice delivered through lawful and transparent processes, and believes that it is possible to mourn, demand answers, and protect communal harmony all at once.
