The Baksa District Jail in Assam witnessed tension on Wednesday afternoon after five accused in Zubeen Garg’s death case, including event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and manager Siddharth Sharma, were brought under tight security. The Assam Police on Wednesday was foreced to resort to lathi-charge to disperse the agitated mob that pelted stones at police vehicles carrying the five accused arrested.
Violent protesters accused in Zubeen Garg`s death case sent to jail
A massive crowd was seen gathered outside Baksa District Jail on Wednesday afternoon as the five accused in the Zubeen Garg death case were brought to the prison under heavy police security. However, the situation turned violent as furious fans and locals demanded that the accused be “handed over to the public.”
Protesters were seen carrying placards seeking `JusticeForZubeenGarg`. They also pelted stones and threw sandals at the police convoy transporting the accused. A few vehicles parked near the jail were also set on fire as the chaos escalated. According to reports, locals even shouted, “We didn’t want them to come here. Don’t keep them inside. Hand them to the public.”
As the tensions continued to intensify, the police reportedly resorted to lathi charge, tear gas, and even firing in the air to disperse the crowd. Despite their efforts, the mob continued to resist, while demanding that the accused be brought publicly before them. Several police personnel as well as journalists, sustained injuries after being hit by stones during the chaos. A female officer was reportedly hurt, while one police vehicle suffered extensive damage.
Accused in Zubeen Garg`s death case sent to jail
Earlier in the day, North East India Festival (NEIF) chief organiser 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 were remanded to judicial custody by the Kamrup Chief Judicial Magistrate after their police remand ended.
The court, expressing concern for their safety, also ruled that they should be sent to a jail where there were less prisoners. Accordingly, the authorities decided to shift all five to Baksa Jail at Mussalpur, which was inaugurated two months ago and there are still no prisoners there, an official said.
Assam`s cultural icon, Zubeen Garg, died in Singapore while swimming in the sea on September 19.
(With inputs from PTI)