Popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore on September 19 , sparking deep grief across Assam. However, what began as mourning soon turned into anger, as speculation surrounding the singer’s death spread widely.
India Today reports that calls for justice grew louder and by Wednesday the situation had spiraled out of control, forcing police to fire warning shots and use tear gas.
Tensions erupted when five suspects arrested in connection with Garg’s death were brought to the district jail. As their convoy reached the gate, hundreds of fans gathered, chanting slogans demanding justice.
Eyewitnesses said the crowd began pelting stones at the vehicles carrying the accused, damaging several cars and a police van.
The five arrested are: event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, the singer’s manager Siddharth Sharma, his cousin and suspended APS officer Sandipan Garg and two security guards, one of whom has been identified as Nandeswar Bora. Later that afternoon, a local court remanded them to judicial custody.
As the situation escalated, protesters shouting “Justice for Zubeen” turned violent. Police responded by firing shots into the air and releasing tear gas to disperse the crowd. One police vehicle was reportedly set on fire.
Authorities deployed additional forces and security has been tightened across several sensitive areas.
A police officer reported the situation to be under control but tension remains high.
Zubeen Garg, aged 52, died while scuba diving in Singapore. He was scheduled to perform at the North East Festival the following day.
According to initial reports, he fell ill during the dive and could not be revived at a nearby hospital.
At first, his death was believed to be accidental. However, Garg’s wife Garima Garg and several fans alleged that there were “suspicious circumstances”, suggesting possible foul play.
Following public outcry, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has since arrested five individuals, including the event organiser and Garg’s manager.
In response to Wednesday’s unrest, Chief Minister Sarma condemned the violence, warning that “certain political groups are trying to exploit Zubeen Garg’s death to create instability and provoke fans.” He urged people to remain calm.
