Guwahati – The Baksa district in Assam is now peaceful, marking a return to normalcy two days after protests occurred over the transfer of five individuals accused in the Zubeen Garg case to the Baksa District Jail. An official confirmed on Friday that internet and mobile data services, which had been suspended due to the unrest, have been fully restored.
The decision to restore services was made as authorities believe there is no further risk of public disturbance or a breach of peace, as stated in a notification by Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Tewari.
In connection with the recent disturbances, two individuals have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the violence and for inciting the public to attack the convoy. Additionally, 15 other individuals involved in the incident have been identified through video footage.
Enhanced security measures are in place around the jail where the accused, including Zubeen Garg’s manager, cousin, and two personal security officers, are being held under court order. Prohibitory measures remain active in Mushalpur town, where the jail is located, and surrounding areas.
An official assured that the situation is under control and all necessary steps are being taken to prevent further violence.
The protests began on Wednesday when demonstrators gathered outside the Mushalpur jail, pelting stones at the convoy carrying the accused. Some demanded the accused be handed over to the public for immediate ‘justice for Zubeen’. The situation escalated when the convoy entered the jail, leading to clashes between the crowd and the police at the gate. Despite police requests to disperse, the protesters persisted, resulting in a lathi-charge by law enforcement to restore order. The unrest intensified further when vehicles, including those belonging to the police and media, were set ablaze, prompting the police to use tear gas.
The accused, identified as Shyamkanu Mahanta (chief organiser of the North East India Festival), Siddhartha Sharma (singer’s manager), Sandipan Garg (cousin and police officer), and personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya, had been remanded to judicial custody. The court had recommended their transfer to a less crowded jail for safety reasons. Consequently, they were moved to the Baksa Jail in Mushalpur, which had been inaugurated just two months prior and had no existing prisoners at the time.
It is noted that singer Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore on September 19th while swimming.
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