9 Arrested Following Violent Protests at Baksa Jail in Zubeen Garg Death Case Investigation

Police were forced to deploy baton charges and tear gas to regain control during the unrest.

Guwahati:

Authorities have arrested nine individuals in connection with violent protests that erupted during the transfer of five suspects in the Zubeen Garg death investigation to a correctional facility in Assam's Baksa district, police officials confirmed on Saturday.

According to Baksa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ujjal Pratim Baruah, several other participants in the violence have been identified, and search operations are actively underway to apprehend them.

"Thus far, we've detained nine individuals. More suspects have been identified. Some accused persons remain at large, but we expect to apprehend them shortly. We're approaching this investigation with the utmost seriousness, and a dedicated team is advancing the case. Media outlets and local residents have been providing valuable assistance," the SSP stated.

Baruah also mentioned that community members were providing meals to security personnel on duty.

Violent demonstrations broke out near Baksa jail on Wednesday when five individuals accused in Garg's death case were transported there following a Guwahati court's decision to remand them to judicial custody.

The SSP emphasized that "genuine fans of Garg need not be concerned, as those who provoked violence while posing as fans have been identified," adding that "numerous individuals with criminal histories, including involvement in motorcycle theft, cattle rustling, and similar offenses, are among those found responsible."

"Investigators discovered a WhatsApp group where discussions focused on instigating unrest. Media updates regarding the convoy transporting the accused were shared within this group. An individual based in Bangalore, who administers the group, was encouraging members to throw stones. This person has been identified," the officer elaborated.

Forty law enforcement personnel, including senior officers, suffered injuries during the violence, with many sustaining serious wounds from which they are now recovering.

"Additional security forces have been deployed in the affected area, and the situation is now under control," Baruah added.

In addition to police personnel, media representatives were injured when protesters hurled stones at vehicles transporting the five accused and set several other vehicles ablaze.

Authorities resorted to baton charges and tear gas deployment to restore order.

Internet and mobile data services, which had been suspended in the district following the unrest, were restored on Friday as conditions normalized.

Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita remain in effect in Mushalpur town, where the jail is situated, and surrounding areas.

Security measures have been enhanced in and around the detention facility where the accused are being held pursuant to the court order.

Garg died while swimming in Singaporean waters on September 19. He had traveled there to participate in the 4th North East India Festival (NEIF).

NEIF principal organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, the singer's manager Siddhartha Sharma, his cousin and police officer Sandipan Garg, and his personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya are currently detained at Baksa jail.

Two additional individuals arrested in the same case—Garg's band members Shekharjyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta—were also remanded to judicial custody by the Kamrup (Metro) chief judicial magistrate on Friday. These two have been transferred to Haflong jail in Dima Hasao district.

A 10-member special investigation team (SIT) from the Criminal Investigation Department of Assam Police is conducting an investigation into the singer-composer's death.