Assam CM Freezes Accounts and Issues Lookout Notices in Zubeen Garg Death Investigation

He proclaimed his readiness to "sacrifice" himself if necessary to maintain stability in the state.

Guwahati:

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday that lookout notices had been issued against Shyamkanu Mahanta, the North East Festival organizer, and Siddharth Sharma, singer Zubeen Garg's manager. Mr. Sarma further stated that their bank accounts and payment cards have been frozen.

During a Facebook Live session, the Chief Minister called on both Mahanta and Sharma to present themselves to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) by October 6, emphasizing that non-compliance would result in intensified police efforts to locate them.

"This is Zubeen's Assam. We will not permit it to transform into Nepal," declared Mr. Sarma. "The public demands justice for Zubeen. We comprehend that sentiment. But not through violent means."

The Chief Minister's Nepal reference relates to the recent political instability in the neighboring nation. Nepal experienced weeks of violent protests earlier this year following social media restrictions imposed by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's government. Mr. Sarma expressed determination to prevent similar unrest in Assam.

Referencing historical icons like Lachit Borphukan and Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Mr. Sarma emphasized that Assam's identity has been built on resilience and cultural heritage, asserting that lawlessness cannot be tolerated. He stated his willingness to "sacrifice" himself if required to maintain stability.

SIT sources confirm that summons have been issued to numerous individuals including Mahanta, Sharma, Singapore-based Devjyoti Hazarika, Tanmay Phukan, Bhaskar Dutta, Wajid Ahmed, Siddhartha Bora, Abhimanyu Talukdar, Rupkamal Saikia, and Pariksh Sharma, directing them to appear in Guwahati by October 6.

Officials verified that Mahanta's financial accounts, PAN-linked instruments, and credit facilities have been frozen, with identical measures applied to Sharma. According to the Chief Minister, this action aims to prevent them from remaining outside India for extended periods during the investigation.

"This represents a masterstroke by the government," Mr. Sarma stated. "They cannot remain outside the country indefinitely. They must participate in the investigation."

The Chief Minister also announced that the state government would cease funding any future events organized by Mahanta, who had coordinated the North East Festival in Singapore where Mr. Garg performed before his death.

Zubeen Garg, one of Assam's most beloved cultural figures, died in Singapore on September 19, reportedly by drowning. His death has sparked widespread mourning and public demonstrations throughout Assam. The Assam CID has been assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

"We recognize that failure to deliver justice for Zubeen might cost us electoral support in 2026. And if we fail, people should rightfully withdraw their support," Mr. Sarma acknowledged.

The Chief Minister urged the public to remain patient during the investigation process. While acknowledging widespread anger across Assam, he requested trust in the state's institutional framework.

"All individuals connected to Zubeen's death will face legal consequences," Mr. Sarma promised. "We guarantee that justice will prevail. However, law and order must be preserved."

He also cautioned against "anti-government politics" exploiting Zubeen Garg's name, warning that certain groups were attempting to use the tragedy to incite unrest.