Tezpur: The Sonitpur district administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry against Tezpur University authorities following allegations of disrespect toward cultural icon Zubeen Garg after his sudden death last week. The move comes amid mounting unrest among students and staff of the central university.
District Magistrate Ananda Kumar Das said students accused the university of failing to organize a formal Shraddhanjali for the legendary singer, which deeply hurt public sentiment. Tensions further escalated after Vice Chancellor Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh allegedly made derogatory remarks about students who independently arranged a tribute programme.
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On Monday evening, heated exchanges between the VC and agitated students forced him to leave campus abruptly, sparking further anger. “Due to all the provocative actions by the university authorities, particularly the VC, students approached my office demanding an apology and remedial action,” Das stated in his order. He appointed Additional District Magistrate Kamal Baruah to conduct the probe and submit a report within 10 days.
The controversy also triggered the resignation of University PRO Samaresh Barman, who accused the VC of autocratic functioning and undermining institutional values.
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Amid public outrage, Tezpur University announced plans to install a statue of Zubeen Garg on campus and consider conferring a posthumous honorary doctorate. However, teachers, students, and staff have demanded the immediate removal of the Vice Chancellor.
Zubeen Garg, one of Assam’s most beloved singers, died on September 19 in Singapore during the Northeast India Festival. His funeral in Guwahati was held with full state honours, drawing massive public participation.
