Published on: October 18, 2025 | 3:00 PM IST

Guwahati: In the wake of violent protests that erupted near Baksa district jail in Assam, nine people have been arrestedin connection with the unrest during the transfer of five accused in the death case of singer Zubeen Garg, police confirmed on Saturday.

Baksa Senior Superintendent of Police Ujjal Pratim Baruah stated that authorities have identified several others involved in the violence and are actively searching for them.

“We have arrested nine people so far. More have been identified. Some of the accused are absconding, but we will apprehend them soon. We have taken this investigation very seriously, and a team is taking it forward. The media, local people, all are helping us,” Baruah said.

Background of the unrest
The violence occurred on Wednesday when five accused in Garg’s death case were being transferred to Baksa jail after a Guwahati court remanded them to judicial custody. Protesters reportedly hurled stones at vehicles carrying the accused and set several vehicles on fire, injuring police personnel and media persons in the process.

Police responded with baton charges and tear gas to restore order. Mobile internet and data services were temporarily suspended in the district during the unrest but were restored on Friday as the situation stabilized. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS remain in force in Mushalpur town and surrounding areas to maintain law and order.

Baruah assured that genuine fans of Zubeen Garg need not worry, clarifying that those who incited violence under the pretense of being fans have been identified and action is underway.

Accused in custody
The five accused lodged at Baksa jail include:

• Shyamkanu Mahanta, chief organiser of the North East India Festival (NEIF)
• Siddhartha Sharma, Garg’s manager
• Sandipan Garg, his cousin and a police officer
• Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya, his personal security officers

In addition, two other arrested individuals in the same case, Shekharjyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta, members of Garg’s band, were remanded to judicial custody by the Kamrup Chief Judicial Magistrate and sent to Haflong prison in Dima Hasao district.

A 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the CID of Assam Police continues to probe the circumstances surrounding the singer-composer’s death.

Incident recap
Zubeen Garg, a renowned singer and composer, died on September 19, 2025, while swimming in Singapore during the 4th North East India Festival. The case has since drawn significant public attention, particularly in Assam, leading to heightened security and law enforcement vigilance during transfers of the accused.

Authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and all measures are being taken to ensure peace and transparency in the handling of the case.