• Sangita Mukherjee
• 16 Oct, 2025

§  Violent Protest Erupts at Baksa Jail, Police Fire in Air

§  21 Injured as Fans Attack Accused in Zubeen Garg Death Case

§  Internet Shutdown After Violent Baksa Jail Protest Turns Deadly

§  Hand Over Killers.! Assam Mob Storms Jail in Zubeen Garg Murder Case Violence

Zubeen Garg Death Case: Assam witnessed unprecedented chaos and violence on Wednesday as raging fans of legendary singer Zubeen Garg attacked police convoys, torched vehicles and clashed with security forces outside Baksa District Jail. The explosion of public fury came as five accused in the singer’s mysterious death case were transferred to judicial custody, triggering one of the state’s most violent protests in recent years.

“Hand over Zubeen’s killers to us.!” roared the frenzied mob, pelting stones and attempting to breach jail security. What began as a peaceful demand for justice transformed into a battlefield, forcing police to fire in the air, deploy tear gas and impose complete internet shutdown across the district.

When Justice Demands Turn Into Violent Uprising

The violence erupted around midday Wednesday when a heavily-guarded police convoy carrying five key accused arrived at the newly constructed Baksa District Jail, located approximately 100 kilometers from Guwahati. The accused include North East India Festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeen’s manager Siddharth Sharma, cousin and suspended Assam Police Service officer Sandipan Garg and two personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya.

As the vehicles approached the jail entrance, hundreds of enraged supporters swarmed the area. Within minutes, the peaceful gathering transformed into a violent mob hurling stones, bricks and slippers at police vehicles.

“The situation spiraled out of control within seconds,” an eyewitness told reporters. Three police vehicles and multiple media vans were set ablaze by the angry crowd. Glass panes shattered, tires burned and chaos reigned as fans demanded the accused be handed over to them for mob justice.

Gunshots, Tear Gas and 21 Casualties

The violence reached its peak when protesters broke through barricades and attempted to storm the jail premises. Left with no choice, security forces resorted to lathi charge, tear gas shelling and firing warning shots in the air to disperse the crowd.

The confrontation left at least 21 people injured including 10 police personnel, 2 journalists covering the protest and several civilians. Two civilians suffering critical bullet injuries were rushed to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), while some gunshot victims were transferred to AIIMS Guwahati for advanced treatment.

“I have never witnessed such intensity of public emotion,” said one police officer who requested anonymity. “The fans’ anger is unprecedented. They believe justice is being delayed and the accused are being protected.”

Complete Internet Blackout and Emergency Measures

Alarmed by the escalating violence, the District Magistrate of Baksa immediately imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), restricting assembly of five or more persons within a 500-meter radius of the jail. Mobile internet services were completely suspended across Baksa district to prevent further mobilization through social media.

Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were deployed in large numbers around the jail and in Mushalpur town to prevent any fresh outbreak of violence. Despite police bringing the immediate situation under control, tension continues to simmer in the area with protesters refusing to leave completely.

The Singapore Mystery: From Drowning to Murder Allegations

The violence stems from the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of 52-year-old Zubeen Garg, one of Assam’s most beloved cultural icons who rose to national fame with his superhit song “Ya Ali”. On September 19, 2024, Garg died while swimming off Singapore’s Lazarus Island during a yacht party organized as part of the 4th North East India Festival.

Initially reported as accidental drowning, the case took a sinister turn when Garg’s bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami made shocking poisoning allegations. In his statement to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Goswami claimed that manager Siddharth Sharma and festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta had poisoned the singer.

“Jabo De, Jabo De” - The Chilling Allegation

Goswami’s testimony revealed disturbing details about Garg’s final moments. According to the bandmate, when Zubeen was gasping for breath and frothing at the mouth and nose, Sharma dismissed the symptoms as “acid reflux” and was heard shouting “Jabo de, jabo de” (let him go, let him go) in Assamese.

“Zubeen was an expert swimmer who had trained both me and Siddharth,” Goswami testified. “He could not have drowned accidentally. This was deliberate.”

The bandmate further alleged that Sharma forcibly took control of the yacht from its sailor, causing it to wobble dangerously in mid-sea. He also claimed Sharma instructed NRI member Tanmoy Phukan not to arrange drinks, insisting he alone would supply them - raising suspicions about what was actually provided to the singer.

Documentary evidence, financial records and witness statements prima facie establish Sharma’s culpability in what investigators now treat as premeditated murder.

Seven Arrests and Expanding Investigation

The Assam CID’s Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta has arrested seven individuals so far in connection with the case. Five have been sent to 14-day judicial custody at Baksa jail, while two - bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and co-singer Amritprava Mahanta - remain in CID custody until October 17.

Notably, none of the five accused filed bail applications when produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate court in Guwahati. The court specifically directed authorities to ensure their safety and security in jail custody, considering fears that Zubeen's fans among prisoners and undertrials might attack them.

The SIT has issued summons to 11 Assamese NRIs based in Singapore who were present at the yacht party. So far, nine have arrived in Guwahati to record statements. The investigation team has also requested permission to visit Singapore under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) between India and Singapore.

Why Baksa Jail.? Safety Concerns Fuel Anger

The decision to lodge the accused in Baksa District Jail rather than Guwahati Central Jail has sparked controversy and intensified public anger. Baksa jail is a newly constructed facility inaugurated recently with no existing inmates and better amenities.

Fans allege the state government chose this location to protect the accused in comfort rather than subject them to standard prison conditions where Zubeen’s supporters among other inmates might exact revenge. “They’re being given VIP treatment while our beloved singer is dead,” one protester shouted during the clash.

Official sources defend the decision citing genuine security concerns. “Fans could be among prisoners and undertrials in regular jails. The accused's safety must be ensured for the judicial process to proceed,” explained a senior police officer.

CM Himanta Sarma: “Don’t Politicize Death

Addressing the crisis from New Delhi, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma strongly condemned the violence and accused certain political elements of inciting unrest ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

“Death should not be politicized. Certain groups have created an unhealthy environment across Assam, and such actions will only push our state backward,” Sarma stated. “These elements want a Nepal-type situation here for political advantage.”

The Chief Minister appealed for patience and faith in the ongoing investigation. “The police and investigation agencies are doing their duty. In a democracy, only the judiciary has the authority to deliver justice,” he emphasized.

Sarma assured that the chargesheet would be submitted within the stipulated 90-day period and promised a watertight case against the accused. He also met Singapore’s Acting High Commissioner Alice Cheng to request full cooperation in the investigation.

Wife Garima Appeals for Peace

In an emotional Facebook post Thursday morning, Zubeen’s wife Garima Saikia Garg appealed for peace and unity. “I have not only lost my husband. Every Assamese household has lost a son, a brother, a friend or a loved one,” she wrote.

“At such a time, it is very important for all of us to try to understand each other’s feelings. May there be peace and unity and may there be no news of further harm or disturbances, God willing,” her message concluded with the hashtag #JusticeForZubeenGarg.

Forensic Reports and Financial Crimes Investigation

The viscera report from Delhi's Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) has been received and sent to GMCH for analysis. CM Sarma indicated the forensic report has given “a clear direction” in the case.

“The inputs will be added to the final post-mortem report. We cannot share details publicly as it would hamper the investigation,” Special DGP Gupta stated.

A second post-mortem was conducted at GMCH after Singapore authorities initially certified drowning as the cause of death. The CID subsequently registered charges of murder, criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide not amounting to murder and death due to negligence.

Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax Department are likely to join the probe to investigate alleged organized financial crimes and benami property acquisitions by festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta. The CID has unearthed over 20-year-old financial irregularities allegedly committed by Mahanta during his earlier employment at a non-banking financial company.

Read More: Trust No One.!!! Are Trusted Friends Becoming Worst Betrayers.? Experts Reveal Dark Truth Behind Rising Campus Crimes

A State in Mourning and Rage

The death of Zubeen Garg has created a void in India's music industry that may never be filled. His fans span across Assam, the Northeast and the global Assamese diaspora. The outpouring of grief has been matched only by the intensity of demand for justice.

Over 60 FIRs were registered across Assam against the accused before the Chief Minister directed the DGP to consolidate all cases under the CID for comprehensive investigation. The emotional investment of the public is evident in the violence witnessed at Baksa jail.

“Every Assamese feels personally connected to Zubeen da. This isn’t just a celebrity death – it’s like losing a family member,” explained cultural analyst Dr. Raktim Bora. “When people believe justice is being delayed or the accused are being protected, this explosive anger is natural.”

The Road Ahead: Justice vs Mob Violence

While the demand for justice is legitimate and understandable, the violence witnessed at Baksa jail raises serious concerns about mob mentality and rule of law. Police firing in the air, 21 injuries, torched vehicles and complete internet shutdown represent a breakdown of civil order.

The challenge for Assam’s administration is balancing public sentiment with due legal process. The accused, however heinous their alleged crimes, have the right to a fair trial and protection from mob justice.

As the SIT continues its investigation with a 90-day deadline, all eyes remain on whether the probe will deliver conclusive evidence and justice for Assam’s beloved icon. The forensic reports, witness testimonies from Singapore and documentary evidence will ultimately determine if this was accidental drowning or premeditated murder.

Conclusion: When Grief Becomes Fury

The Baksa jail violence is a manifestation of collective grief transforming into uncontrollable rage. Assam has lost not just a singer but a cultural icon who represented the state’s identity and pride. When such beloved figures die under mysterious circumstances, public emotions run high.

However, the path to justice must go through courts and legal processes, not mob violence. As Garima Saikia Garg eloquently appealed, maintaining peace and unity while demanding justice is the true tribute to Zubeen’s memory.

The investigation continues, tensions remain high and Assam holds its breath waiting for answers about what really happened on that Singapore yacht party on September 19, 2024. The truth, when it emerges, will determine whether this was tragic negligence or calculated betrayal by those closest to the singer.

Until then, the haunting words “Jabo de, jabo de” (let him go) continue to echo across Assam, fueling both grief and anger in equal measure.

Call to Action (CTA)

Follow and share The Daily Hints for latest updates on Zubeen Garg death case investigation, Assam news and breaking developments from across India.

Follow The Daily Hints on Social Media,

      §  Facebook

      §  Instagram

      §  Threads

      §  WhatsApp

      §  YouTube

      §  Twitter

      §  Email ID

From West Bengal District’s News to Kolkata News, Other States News to Whole India News, International News, Entertainment News to Sports News, Science News to Technology News and all other news updates, follow and Support our news portal @TheDailyHints.