Raijor Dal President and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi has strongly criticized the Assam government for its handling of the Zubeen Garg death case, calling the official actions “inadequate and misleading.” Akhil Gogoi, who has been actively supporting the Justice for Zubeen Garg campaign, responded sharply to claims made by Minister Pijush Hazarika that the state government had ensured justice for the late singer.
In a public statement, MLA Gogoi said, “@Pijush Hazarika Sir, a day ago you listed the actions the state government has taken ‘after Zubeen Garg’s death…’ claiming that justice has been served to Zubeen Garg. However, the account of the BJP government’s so-called achievements is entirely false. For the justice that Zubeen Garg deserved, the Assam government either did not act or failed to act. Below, we have listed all such instances. Please give us an answer.”
Gogoi outlined a long list of failures by the state government. Even before Zubeen Garg’s death, the government did not ensure proper security for the national asset. When the Ministry of External Affairs invited him to the North East Festival in Singapore, the state government failed to provide him state guest status, leading to inadequate protection and ultimately his death. The Chief Minister also did not fulfill the promise of arranging a chartered flight to bring Zubeen back from Singapore; he was brought only via ordinary airline services. 
Further lapses included the failure to arrest Siddharth Sharma and Sandeepan Garg at Delhi airport, and the inability of Shyamkanu Mahanta to immediately stop the North East Festival after Zubeen’s death or arrest responsible individuals without waiting for their surrender. The government also failed to bring Zubeen from Delhi to Guwahati on a chartered flight and did not make proper arrangements at Sarusajai Stadium for fans to pay their respects.
Public demands for a memorial in Guwahati on the banks of the Brahmaputra have not been met, and arrangements during the cremation in Sonapur were insufficient. National honors, which many expected, were probably not provided. The government also could not decide on conducting a post-mortem in Assam, forcing a second post-mortem due to public pressure, even as those demanding justice were verbally abused.
MLA Gogoi further criticized the investigation process. He noted that a strong judicial commission was not formed; instead, weaker members, including some government lawyers, were appointed. This delayed timely cooperation with the Singapore government and slowed down evidence collection. Even for a single day, Zubeen’s mortal remains could not be brought to Jorhat for the public to pay respects.
Gogoi said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) could not reach Singapore for a full month after Zubeen’s death, resulting in zero progress. Investigations failed to satisfy the singer’s widow and family, while many citizens demanding justice faced harassment and arrests. The government also failed to provide proper security for the accused, including Shyamkanu and Siddharth, and could not control protests in Baksar where people were beaten.
“The government could not prevent a serious situation similar to the ‘Ka’ movement in Assam, which might have arisen due to mishandling the investigation,” Gogoi stated. Even 32 days after Zubeen’s death, no justice has been delivered, and public perception is that the BJP government will not ensure justice.
According to the initial report from Singapore, the Assam government failed to ensure a proper investigation. Delays in collecting the post-mortem report, failure to arrest seven accused on time, and inadequate coordination with Singapore authorities hampered evidence collection. Legal procedures under the Indian Civil Security Code 2023, including prior sanction for foreign investigation, sending Letters of Request, and arranging the transfer of accused, were not properly executed.
Gogoi also criticized the government’s handling of property seizures, stating that despite claims of freezing the accused’s properties, normal activity continued, undermining public confidence. No action has been taken against Singapore Assam Association members, and the promised 10 bighas of land for Zubeen Garg’s memorial remains unallocated.
Updates on the investigation have not been provided transparently or regularly, forcing even Zubeen Garg’s widow to write #JusticeForZubeenGarg online. MLA Gogoi condemned the Chief Minister for opposing public demand for justice and failing to encourage citizens to raise the issue at the Prime Minister of Singapore’s level.
Akhil Gogoi demanded, “Hang Zubeen Garg’s murderers. Justice for Zubeen.” He emphasized that the government’s repeated failures have caused widespread anger and that only immediate, strong action can restore public faith in the justice system.
