Protests Erupt in Assam Over Zubeen Garg's Death as Arrests Occur

Protests Outside Baksa Jail

On Wednesday, demonstrators clashed with law enforcement as they targeted vehicles transporting five individuals arrested in connection with the death of singer Zubeen Garg. The incident occurred while the vehicles were en route to Baksa Central Jail in Assam, according to police reports.

Upon arrival at the jail, protesters attempted to breach the facility, occupied the entrance, and set several vehicles ablaze.

This led police to take action to disperse the crowd, as stated by Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh. He confirmed that order was restored by 6 PM.

Singh reported injuries among both police personnel and protesters during the altercations, noting that a precise count of injuries would be available shortly.

Some protesters demanded the release of those arrested, insisting on justice for Zubeen, as reported by local media.

In response to the unrest, authorities imposed restrictions on gatherings of five or more people within a 500-meter radius of the jail and suspended mobile internet services in Baksa district. However, voice calls and broadband services via fixed lines remain unaffected, as per a directive from the chief secretary.

The district magistrate also banned the possession of dangerous weapons, including lathis, daggers, sticks, and swords, in the vicinity.

These measures will remain in effect until further notice, according to the official circular.

#WATCH | Violent protest erupted outside Baksa District Jail in Assam's Baksa district after five accused in Zubeen Garg death case - main event organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeen Garg's Manager Siddharth Sharma, his cousin Sandipan Garg (suspended APS officer) and two PSOs… pic.twitter.com/Zc5TACcyFw

— ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2025

Zubeen Garg, a celebrated Assamese artist, tragically passed away on September 19 during a yacht excursion in Singapore, just a day before he was set to perform at the North East India Festival.

This festival was organized by the Indian government and the Indian High Commission in Singapore, with contributions from the Assam Association and the North East India Association.

A death certificate issued by Singaporean authorities on September 20 indicated that Garg's cause of death was drowning.

On October 1, the Singapore Police Force informed local media that they had provided the Indian High Commission with a copy of Garg's autopsy report and initial findings regarding his death.

The police, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, previously ruled out any foul play in the incident.

Seven individuals have been detained in connection with the case, including Zubeen Garg's manager, Siddharatha Sharma, festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, and two musicians, Shekharjyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta.

Also arrested were Garg's cousin, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandipan Garg, who accompanied him to Singapore, along with two of the singer's personal security officers.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Kamrup Chief Judicial Magistrate ordered that Sharma, Mahanta, Garg, and the two security officers be placed in judicial custody, expressing concerns for their safety and recommending their transfer to a facility with fewer inmates, which led to their relocation to Baksa jail.