Assam CIC Resigns After Brother's Arrest in Zubeen Garg Death Investigation

Ex-Assam top cop Bhaskar Mahanta was appointed the state's CIC in 2023 (File).

Guwahati:

Assam Chief Information Commissioner Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta has stepped down from his position following multiple RTI applications concerning his brother, Shyamkanu Mahanta, who organized the music festival where singer Zubeen Garg was scheduled to perform before his untimely death.

Bhaskar Mahanta, formerly the Director-General of Police in Assam, resigned based on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's recommendation citing a 'clash of interest' in the ongoing investigation.

Zubeen Garg was discovered deceased in Singapore waters on September 19, just one day before his scheduled performance. Authorities have arrested seven individuals in connection with the case, including Shyamkanu Mahanta.

The other arrestees include Garg's cousin Sandipan Garg (an Assam Police Deputy Superintendent), his band manager Siddharth Sharma, and two band members.

Shyamkanu Mahanta faces serious accusations including murder, culpable homicide, death by negligence, and criminal conspiracy. He is additionally under investigation for potential financial fraud, money laundering, and illegal property acquisition.

Authorities also detained Zubeen Garg's security personnel, Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya, after discovering suspicious transactions exceeding Rs 1.1 crore in their bank accounts potentially connected to the case.

All suspects remain in judicial custody until November 11, facing similar charges.

Chief Minister Sarma has confirmed that a chargesheet will be filed by December 17, emphasizing that Garg's death is being treated as murder rather than an accident.

A specialized 10-member team led by Special Director-General Munna Gupta is conducting the investigation.

Singapore authorities have provided an autopsy report to Indian officials, and investigators are reconstructing the final 48 hours of Zubeen Garg's life—a critical effort particularly since pharmaceutical drugs were discovered among his belongings.

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