Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi has strongly criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the ruling BJP over what he described as “attempts to mislead the people” on the investigation into the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg.
In a detailed statement issued on Sunday, Gogoi said that the people of Assam do not want to be confused or misled by selective stories that divert attention from the demand for justice. He said that unnecessary discussions are being raised in public just to weaken Zubeen Garg’s legacy and emotional connection with the people of Assam.
“The people are now forced to ask whether the enormous love and respect that Zubeen Garg commands is being intentionally undermined,” Gogoi said. He also said that while some of the recent remarks made by the Chief Minister have brought partial clarity, several important questions remain unanswered. Gogoi referred to the posthumous medical examination report that went viral on social media and asked who was responsible for leaking it and whether anyone had been arrested for it. 
According to Gogoi, the ruling government has shown more interest in politics than in seeking justice. He accused the BJP and the Chief Minister of trying to use Zubeen Garg’s death for political gain. “We have witnessed the Chief Minister and his party play politics over this case. What does justice have to do with vote-bank politics? If the Chief Minister cannot ensure justice, should people then continue to give their votes?” Gogoi asked.
He said justice should not be connected to political parties or personal agendas. “Justice is not served under any political flag. But we are seeing political drama instead of justice,” he added.
Lurinjyoti Gogoi also said that although four accused people who were on the yacht with Zubeen Garg in Singapore have been arrested, around twelve others are still absconding. He questioned why Wazid Ahmed, a Singapore citizen linked to the case, has not yet been brought to Assam. Gogoi also demanded to know why there has been no action against others connected to the incident.
He further raised questions about the Chief Minister’s possible personal or business connections with Abhimanyu Talukdar, the President of the Assam Association of Singapore, and with Shyamkanu Mahanta, who has been named as a prime accused in the case. Gogoi said that people have the right to know if there are any special relationships or hidden interests involved.
The AJP leader criticised the government for delaying judicial support for the investigation. He said that a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe should have started earlier in coordination with the judiciary. “The law can only take its course when there is real evidence. But the government seems to be playing with public emotions,” he said. Gogoi expressed his lack of trust in both the CID and the SIT, saying that if the Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, does not trust these agencies himself, he should step down from that post.
