Guwahati: Assam Director General of Police (DGP) Harmeet Singh on Wednesday night expressed deep concern over the violent clashes outside Baksa District Jail, which left 21 people injured, including police personnel, journalists, and civilians. Speaking to reporters at the scene, Singh described the events as “sad and heartbreaking” and urged citizens to uphold peace and trust in the justice system.
“Our country has law and order; it has a constitution, and the law must take its course,” Singh said. “Even as the Chief Minister has stated, in a democratic nation, investigations follow proper procedures. We are in constant touch with Singapore authorities, and whoever deserves punishment will get it. The accused are now in judicial custody, and the court has sent them here. What happened today was very unfortunate.”
The DGP called for public faith in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) leading the probe into the mysterious death of singer Zubeen Garg. “We urge everyone to have faith in us. Our SIT is working properly, and the investigation will be carried out thoroughly,” he said.
Paying tribute to the late artist, Singh added, “Zubeen Garg was such an immense personality. We are all heartbroken at his demise; there is nobody who didn’t cry. We all want justice, but there is a way to get justice, and that is through law and order. Misguided and motivated elements should not take law and order into their own hands.”
The unrest erupted after the transfer of Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddharth Sharma, both accused in Garg’s death, along with Sandeepan Garg and two personal security officers, Nandeshwar Bora and Paresh Baishya, to Baksa District Jail under judicial custody.
Tensions escalated as crowds gathered near the jail, shouting slogans and demanding justice. The protest soon turned violent, leading to stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson. A police vehicle was set ablaze, and several others, including a satellite news van, were damaged. A female police officer sustained injuries during the clash.
To disperse the mob, police resorted to tear gas, baton charges, and blank firing. In response, additional security reinforcements and Rapid Action Force (RAF) units were deployed from Guwahati, Nalbari, Barpeta, and Darrang districts.
Following the unrest, District Magistrate Gautam Das issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 BNSS across Mushalpur town and the surrounding areas near the district jail to prevent further disturbances. The situation remains tense but under control, with heavy security now stationed in the area.
