Assam continues to witness widespread attention over two major developments this week: the ongoing investigation into the death of singer Zubeen Garg and the violent unrest in Baksa district following the transfer of key individuals into judicial custody. Both incidents have raised serious public concern over accountability, police action, and political influence in the state.
The Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has ordered an official investigation against Assam Police ASP Gitartha Dev Sarma after violent clashes erupted outside the District Jail in Nikashi, Baksa, on October 15. Gitartha Dev Sarma, son of former Assam official Hitesh Dev Sharma, reportedly led the police crackdown on protesters who were demanding justice in connection with the mysterious death of Zubeen Garg. The unrest saw stones hurled at vehicles, shattered glass, and the burning of three police vans and a private satellite channel’s van. A female officer was injured, and several protesters were detained. Authorities imposed a prohibitory order under Section 163 BNSS to restore order in Mushalpur town and surrounding areas.
The situation escalated when Hitesh Dev Sharma appeared to endorse his son’s actions on social media, before later deleting the post amid public criticism. Human rights activists have welcomed the AHRC directive, emphasizing the need for a transparent inquiry into police conduct and accountability for excessive use of force. 
Meanwhile, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi has continued to demand a transparent investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death, raising questions about the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the state government. Speaking at a memorial organized by opposition parties, Gogoi alleged that the SIT appears to be shielding politically connected individuals, including NEIF organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta and Garg’s manager Siddhartha Sharma. “The way Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is handling this investigation, it feels like the SIT was formed to hide his close relation with Shyamkanu Mahanta,” Gogoi said.
