An Assamese heartthrob, Zubeen Garg, who rose to national fame with his superhit song Ya Ali, died during a sea outing in Singapore on September 19. His death has sparked outrage among his fans, who are demanding a thorough probe and justice in the case. So far, five arrests have been made in the case. Now, Assam CM constitutes a fast-track court and appoints a special public prosecutor in the Zubeen Garg case.
Assam CM constitutes fast-track court in Garg’s case
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday responded to the violence that erupted outside Baksa District Jail after the five accused in the Zubeen Garg death case were brought there. Speaking on the incident, CM Sarma said, “…We could have taken them (the accused) to Dhubri, Diphu, but that would have required a five-hour journey. So the police calculated which jail they could go to immediately. So they decided Baksa because there is usually no law and order situation in Baksa, the people are very nice and cooperative…”
CM Sarma also announced a series of key decisions regarding the investigation into Zubeen Garg`s death and the creation of a memorial in his honour.
He said, “We have decided to constitute a fast-track court, as we have been given an understanding by the SIT that they will be able to file the chargesheet on time… The SIT has actually progressed in a very commendable way.”
He further said, “Along with a fast-track court, we have decided to appoint a special public prosecutor as per the recommendation of the Advocate General of Assam. We are also thankful to the Singapore government for allowing the Assam police team to visit Singapore on October 21. That was a constant request by the Assam government.”
Film Festival in Assam postponed
In honour of the late singer Zubeen Garg, the 10th Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival in Assam has been postponed. Recently, the organisers of the film festival issued a statement and announced that the decision is being taken to honour the loss of the ‘cultural icon’.
“It is with a heavy heart that the 10th edition of the Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival, originally scheduled for December 4-7, 2025, has been postponed to a later date in 2026. This decision comes as Assam mourns the loss of its most beloved cultural icon Zubeen Garg, whose voice and vision defined generations. BVFF stands in solidarity with the people and the creative community,” the statement read.