Baksa: Tensions escalated outside Baksa district jail at Mushalpur on Wednesday as a massive protest broke out after five individuals arrested in connection with the death of singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore were transferred to a newly constructed prison.

According to sources, Garg’s fans hurled stones and slippers and reportedly attempted to storm the facility. Protesters expressed anger over the decision to send the accused to Baksa Jail, citing its modern amenities and lack of other inmates, alleging the state government was providing special protection.

The five accused—North East India Festival (NEIF) chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg’s manager Siddhartha Sharma, his cousin and Assam Police DSP Sandipan Garg, and his personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya—were remanded in judicial custody by the Kamrup Chief Judicial Magistrate. The court noted concerns for their safety and directed their transfer to a jail with fewer prisoners. Baksa Jail, inaugurated two months ago, remains largely empty.

Mahanta and Sharma were initially arrested in Delhi on October 1 under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence, with murder charges added later.

DSP Sandipan Garg, who had accompanied the singer to Singapore and was present during his final moments on the yacht, was arrested on October 8 and subsequently suspended. Zubeen’s two personal security officers were arrested on October 10.

Earlier arrests also include band members Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta, taken into police custody on October 3.

The Assam Criminal Investigation Department has launched a separate probe against Mahanta for alleged organised financial crimes, including money laundering and acquiring ‘benami’ properties.

The situation outside Baksa Jail remained tense as authorities maintained tight security to prevent further escalation.

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