Guwahati: Assam Police have arrested nine individuals in connection with the violent protests that broke out during the transfer of five accused in Zubeen Garg’s death case to Baksa district jail earlier this week.
Confirming the development, Baksa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ujjal Pratim Baruah said that several other suspects have been identified, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend those still absconding.
“We have arrested nine people so far. More have been identified. Some are absconding, but we will apprehend them soon. We are taking this investigation very seriously, and a dedicated team is pursuing every lead. The media and local people are cooperating with us,” the SSP said.
The violence erupted on Wednesday near Baksa jail after a Guwahati court remanded five accused — NEIF chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeen Garg’s manager Siddhartha Sharma, his cousin and police officer Sandipan Garg, and personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya — to judicial custody.
As the convoy carrying the accused approached the jail, protesters pelted stones and set vehicles ablaze, injuring several police personnel and journalists. Law enforcement responded with baton charges and tear gas to disperse the mob and restore order.
In the aftermath, authorities suspended internet and mobile data services in Baksa district to prevent the spread of misinformation. The services were restored on Friday after the situation stabilised, though prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC remain in effect in Mushalpur town and surrounding areas. Security has also been tightened around the jail complex.
Reassuring the public, SSP Baruah stated, “True fans of Zubeen Garg have nothing to fear. Those who incited violence in the guise of being fans have been identified and will face strict action.”
The unrest followed the remand of the five main accused, while two others — Shekharjyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta — were sent to Haflong prison in Dima Hasao district after being remanded to judicial custody by the Kamrup (Metro) Chief Judicial Magistrate on Friday.
Zubeen Garg, one of Assam’s most beloved artistes, passed away in Singapore on September 19 while attending the 4th North East India Festival (NEIF). His death has sparked widespread grief and public demand for justice across the state.
A 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the CID, Assam Police is currently leading the probe into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.
