Tension flared in Baksa district on Wednesday as Assam Police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse a violent mob that attacked vehicles carrying five accused in connection with the death of celebrated Assamese singer Zubeen Garg.
According to officials, the convoy transporting the accused to Baksa Central Jail in Mussalpur came under attack from protesters who pelted stones, smashed vehicle windows, and attempted to block the road. The mob demanded that the accused be handed over to the public, chanting slogans seeking “justice for Zubeen.”
A senior police officer said several people, including a policewoman, sustained injuries in the incident. Journalists covering the protest were also hit by stones. “Despite repeated warnings, the crowd continued to push forward, forcing police to use minimal force to restore order,” the officer added.
The situation remained tense for several hours before the protesters were pushed back. Security around the jail was immediately tightened, with senior officers deployed on-site to prevent further unrest.
Earlier in the day, the Kamrup Chief Judicial Magistrate remanded the five accused — NEIF chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg’s manager Siddhartha Sharma, his cousin and police officer Sandipan Garg, and his two personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya — to judicial custody after their police remand ended.
Citing security concerns, the court directed that the accused be lodged in a low-occupancy jail to prevent any untoward incidents. As a result, they were transferred to Baksa Central Jail, a new facility inaugurated just two months ago and largely empty.
