In Assam’s Baksa district, nine people have been taken into custody in connection with the violence that broke out during the relocation of five individuals accused in the Zubeen Garg death case. Police stated that several more individuals involved in the disturbance have been identified and are currently being sought for arrest. The district’s senior superintendent of police, Ujjal Pratim Baruah, assured that the investigation is being treated with utmost seriousness and that the cooperation of the media and local community is proving helpful.
The protests turned violent on Wednesday when the five accused were brought to Baksa jail after a Guwahati court ordered their judicial custody. Baruah emphasized that true admirers of Garg have no cause for concern, as those who instigated the violence under the guise of fandom have been identified.
During the clashes, protesters reportedly threw stones at vehicles carrying the accused and set several vehicles ablaze, resulting in injuries to police personnel and media representatives. Authorities resorted to baton charges and tear gas to regain control.
Internet and mobile data services, which were suspended in the district due to the unrest, have since been restored. Prohibitory orders remain in effect in Mushalpur town and surrounding areas, with heightened security around the jail where the accused are being held.
The Zubeen Garg case involves his death on September 19 in Singapore while participating in the 4th North East India Festival. Among those lodged in Baksa jail are NEIF chief organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, singer’s manager Siddhartha Sharma, his cousin Sandipan Garg, and personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya. Two other accused, band members Shekharjyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta, have been transferred to Haflong prison. The Assam Police CID has formed a 10-member team to investigate the singer-composer’s death.