In the wake of ongoing protests and public outcry against the sudden death of music legend Zubeen Garg, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has robustly justified his government’s response to the case –
Describing the present agitation as “politically motivated” and far from its initial cause of pursuing justice for the deceased singer. Speaking to journalists in Guwahati, CM Sarma stated,
“If I quit today, 50% of the protests will cease right away. And if Gaurav Gogoi is appointed Chief Minister, the other 50% will also cease.”
The Chief Minister’s statement was a clear indication that he is of the opinion that political forces are taking advantage of public sentiment regarding Zubeen’s death for election purposes in the run-up to the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.”The Movement Has Lost Its True Purpose,” Says CM Sarma.
CM Sarma said that though the people’s grief over Zubeen Garg was real, the protests had “drifted away” from the mission of truth and accountability. He made a difference between “Zubeen Garg’s true fans,” who supported and appreciated him while he was alive, and others who, in his words, “only came to light after his demise.
“The individuals who actually adored Zubeen when he was alive were of a different sort. Post his death, another set has risen – a set that used to regularly criticize him but now claims to be fighting for him,” Sarma asserted. He exhorted authentic fans of the deceased singer to focus their energy on positive remembrance, like contributing to music education and cultural programs, instead of politically motivated protests.
Violence in Baksa and Police Cooperation Appeal.
The Chief Minister also talked about the recent violence in Baksa district, where there were clashes between police and protestors. He disclosed that a number of youths had run away from the district out of fear of arrest. CM Sarma asked them to come back and help authorities, vowing that no coercive measures would be adopted against those who come forward voluntarily and help with the ongoing investigation.
“The government will remain with its people. Anyone who presents himself to give his statement will not be in any trouble,” he said, and only those persons causing obstruction to the probe would be prosecuted. He also hit out at sections of the media for “stretching facts” and circulating misinformation that he claimed had increased tensions. “Certain media houses have caused unnecessary panic amongst the public,” he added.
Clarification on Memorial Site and Environmental Concerns
Refuting viral social media reports that trees at the vicinity of Zubeen Garg’s memorial area were felled, CM Sarma called the reports “false and misleading.” He stated.”Every tree is safe, Not a single one has been cut. I personally assured Zubeen that the greenery around his site would always be preserved.”He stated that only misinformation added to the confusion and took attention away from the actual issue – that of providing justice to the singer.
New Developments in the Investigation
At the same time, CID probe into Zubeen Garg’s death has experienced new developments. Officials have confirmed that the Singapore Police case file — comprising preliminary autopsy and toxicology reports — has been formally transferred to the Assam Police. CID sources said the investigation now centers around financial improprieties, professional negligence, and potential mismanagement of Zubeen’s foreign commitments during the weeks prior to his death.
Seven individuals, including event organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta and associate Siddharth Goswami, are still in the Jail. The CID has also received records of digital communications and financial transactions connecting the accused to payments made shortly prior to Garg’s journey to Singapore. The investigators are checking if these payments were related to contractual differences or professional responsibilities that might have stressed out the singer. A top CID officer explained, “We are in regular contact with Singapore authorities under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT). The investigation so far does not exclude negligence or vicarious liability.”
Government Vows Speedy Justice and Memorial Plans
Confirming his government’s pledge to justice and heritage, CM Sarma declared a series of measures to commemorate Zubeen Garg’s memory. “Music schools and colleges will be set up in all constituencies, and a statue of Zubeen Garg will be erected to keep his soul alive,” he stated.He further stated that the High Court of Gauhati had already taken suo motu cognizance in the case and that the government has made it clear to shift the case to a Fast Track Court to ensure a speedy verdict.” Even if the government goes wrong, the judiciary won’t. The judicial process can be trusted by the people of Assam. The truth will come out,” CM Sarma said.
While public sentiments still remain charged, the state itself has reached a juncture — between political din and the search for justice for one of Assam’s most popular voices, Zubeen Garg, whose legacy continues to bring the region together even in his absence.
