A man has been detained by Bhawanipur Police in Assam’s Bajali district for circulating a viral fake post that alleged a fund collection drive in the name of legendary singer Zubeen Garg. The post, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, triggered public anger and concern over attempts to exploit emotions connected to the beloved artist. Police confirmed that at least one more accused involved in creating and sharing the misinformation remains absconding, prompting further investigation.
Viral Fake Post Sparks Outrage Across Assam
The fabricated post alleged that funds were being raised in Zubeen Garg’s name as part of a tribute effort. Many users, unaware that the information was false, shared the post widely, amplifying the misinformation. As fans began questioning the authenticity of the campaign. Also, concerns grew that scammers were attempting to profit from public sentiment. Police said the post was designed to mislead people and potentially divert contributions toward unknown individuals.
The incident triggered immediate backlash online, with many urging authorities to take strong action. Zubeen Garg holds an iconic status in Assam, and any misuse of his name is taken seriously by the public. The viral nature of the post underscored the growing challenge of misinformation in the state and highlighted the need for vigilance among social media users.
Police Detain One Accused, Search Intensifies for Another
After tracing the origin of the misleading campaign, Bhawanipur Police detained one of the individuals allegedly responsible for sharing the fake content. Officers stated that the detained man played a key role in circulating the message across multiple platforms. Authorities also identified another suspect believed to be the mastermind behind crafting the misleading narrative, but he remains absconding.
Police teams have been deployed to locate the missing accused, with raids underway at several locations. Officers said they are confident of apprehending him soon. The case has been registered under charges related to cheating, public mischief, and spreading false information, all of which carry serious legal consequences. Officials stressed that such actions will not be tolerated, especially when they involve emotionally sensitive subjects.
Families of Zubeen Garg’s Fans Raise Concerns
The news of the fake fundraising post unsettled many fans of Zubeen Garg, who feared that vulnerable individuals might fall victim to scams. Several fan clubs across Assam issued statements urging people to verify any fundraising initiative before contributing. They emphasized that no official tribute or charity drive was being conducted at the moment under the singer’s name.
Some fans also expressed concerns that such incidents encourage mistrust around genuine charity efforts. They urged authorities to take strict steps to punish those attempting to exploit public emotions. The incident has revived discussions about establishing stronger verification mechanisms for online fundraisers in the state.
Misinformation Remains a Growing Challenge in Assam
This episode adds to a rising number of misinformation cases reported across Assam in recent years. Police officials said they have noticed a pattern of individuals creating fake posts in attempts to stir emotions or profit from manipulated narratives. Many such posts involve well-known public figures, religious sentiments, or emergency situations, making them more likely to go viral.
Cybercrime units across the state have been monitoring suspicious activity on platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Authorities said the current case demonstrates the need for individuals to cross-check information from official channels before sharing it. They urged citizens to rely on verified announcements from government departments, police pages, or credible media outlets.
Assam Police Urge Responsible Use of Social Media
In a public advisory, the police requested citizens to practice caution while interacting with online content. Officers said social media remains a powerful tool, but its misuse can create panic, confusion, and in some cases financial loss. They encouraged users to report suspicious posts to the nearest police station or through dedicated cybercrime helplines.
Officials also encouraged parents and educators to create awareness among young people, who are often the most active users online. With digital literacy becoming a crucial necessity, police said communities must work together to prevent the spread of false information. Moreover, the advisory reiterated that forwarding unverified content is a legal offence under Indian cyber laws.
Public Urged to Support Investigations and Stay Alert
Authorities have requested anyone with information about the absconding accused to contact Bhawanipur Police immediately. They said community cooperation is essential for ensuring accountability and preventing similar scams in the future. Citizens are encouraged to follow official police updates and avoid spreading rumours that could hamper the investigation.
As the probe continues, the case serves as a reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread in emotionally charged contexts. Furthermore, Police said they will continue to take strict action against individuals using deceptive tactics to exploit public trust.