Assam: Violence Erupts Outside Baksa Jail as Fans Demand Justice for Zubeen Garg’s Death
Police convoy attacked, internet suspended; five accused in custody.
GUWAHATI- In a shocking outbreak of emotion and unrest, violent clashes erupted outside Baksa Central Jail in Assam’s Mussalpur on Wednesday afternoon, as thousands of heartbroken fans of late singer Zubeen Garg confronted police, demanding justice in zubeen’s mysterious death case.
The protest turned violent when a police convoy carrying five accused in the case arrived at the jail. Angry supporters pelted stones, torched a police van, and chanted slogans like “Justice for Zubeen!”, leading to injuries among security forces and media personnel.
Earlier in the day, the Kamrup Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Guwahati remanded five suspects to 14 days of judicial custody in connection with the ongoing probe into the singer’s death.
The accused include, Shyamkanu Mahanta – Chief organizer, Northeast India Festival (NEIF), Siddharth Sharma – Zubeen Garg’s longtime manager, Sandipan Garg – Cousin of the late singer and suspended APS officer, Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya – Personal security officers (PSOs)
They were arrested on October 1 by a CID Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Delhi, following leads from Singapore authorities, where Zubeen’s autopsy was conducted.
Citing security concerns, the court ordered the accused to be lodged in Baksa Central Jail, a newly inaugurated facility with minimal inmates — a decision that unexpectedly fueled tensions.
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Crowds began gathering near the jail by noon, holding banners and photos of the singer, shouting “Hand over the killers!” and “We want justice!”.
When the convoy approached around 2:30 p.m., the situation escalated. Protesters hurled stones and tried to break through police barricades. A police van was set ablaze, black smoke rising as officers struggled to regain control.
According to sources, at least 12 people were injured, including a female police officer and several journalists covering the event.
Police resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the mob. Additional forces were rushed in from nearby stations, and by 3:15 p.m., the accused were safely escorted inside the jail.
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A senior Baksa police officer said, “The situation is tense but under control. We request the public to allow the judicial process to continue peacefully.”
In the aftermath, the Baksa district administration imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) — prohibiting unlawful assembly — and suspended mobile internet services across the district to prevent further mobilization and spread of rumors.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking from New Delhi, condemned the violence and accused certain opposition groups of “politically exploiting” the emotional unrest.
“This is very unfortunate. Some political parties are trying to instigate the public for their own gain. We must have faith in the judicial process,” the CM said.
He added that the CID SIT will submit its findings within the given timeframe and assured that “no guilty person will be spared.”
Zubeen Garg, 51, was one of Assam’s most beloved artists, known for chart-topping hits like “O Mur Apunar Desh” and “Ya Ali.”
He died in Singapore on September 19, 2025, reportedly from drowning, though questions remain about the circumstances. He was in Singapore to perform at the Northeast India Festival, organized by one of the accused.
The Singapore Police have cooperated with the Assam CID, sharing autopsy findings and witness statements. Ten NRIs have been questioned in connection with the case.
Two more suspects are still absconding, as investigators explore financial disputes related to the event.
By evening, the crowd outside Baksa Jail began to disperse, though tension lingered. Police patrols continued through the night, with security heightened across Baksa and adjoining districts.
Candlelight vigils were held in Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh, where fans sang Zubeen’s songs in his memory. “Zubeen is not just a singer — he is our identity,” said a tearful fan holding a portrait of the artist.
As the CID SIT prepares its next charge sheet, Assam watches closely — caught between grief, anger, and the demand for justice for the man who gave a voice to its soul.
GUWAHATI- Massive clashes erupted outside Baksa Jail as fans of late singer Zubeen Garg demanded justice. Police convoy attacked, 12 injured, internet suspended in Baksa.
