Haflong witnessed widespread protests today after Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amritprabha Mahanta were remanded to 14 days judicial custody and lodged in Haflong Jail. The duo, who had spent the last 14 days in CID custody, were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court in Haflong before being sent to the jail. Their arrests are part of the ongoing investigation into the mysterious death of popular singer Zubeen Garg.
As the accused arrived at Haflong Jail, local people came out in large numbers to protest. Many gathered on the streets, chanting slogans like “Joi Zubeen Da” and demanding justice for the late singer. The protesters expressed anger over the heavy security arrangements for the duo, which included nearly 18 to 20 escort vehicles.
“Culprits of Zubeen Da have come. Do they need so much escort?” asked one protester. “We want justice. Those behind Zubeen Garg’s death must be brought to account.” Another person claimed that his phone was snatched while he was peacefully protesting. He demanded that the individuals responsible for Zubeen Garg’s death be punished severely. 
Many protesters also criticized the government, saying that providing high security to the accused appears to protect them from public outrage. “This is the government’s policy. The culprits are being saved from people. Why should they get so much security?” said another protester.
So far, seven people have been arrested in connection with the case. Five of them including Shyamkanu Mahanta, Siddhart Sharma, Zubeen’s cousin Sandeepan Garg, and two of the singer’s personal security officers, Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya remain lodged in Baksa Jail. Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and more details will be revealed as the case progresses.
