Assam Police have identified nine individuals allegedly involved in the recent Baksa district riot that shook the state earlier this week. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the development on Thursday. Stating that two of the identified individuals have already been arrested.
The violent incident, which erupted outside Baksa District Jail, drew statewide attention following the death of popular singer and actor Zubeen Garg. Authorities believe the unrest was triggered by public outrage. And misinformation surrounding the ongoing investigation into Garg’s death.
Sarma emphasized that the state government would not tolerate any attempts to disrupt peace. He said the police were acting swiftly to ensure law and order were restored.
NHRC Takes Up Assam Congress Complaint on Police Firing
SIT Working Closely With State Police
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Zubeen Garg death case is working in close coordination with Assam Police to determine whether the Baksa riot had any connection to the broader case. According to officials, several individuals involved in the riot were seen near the jail premises. Hence, tensions escalated between protestors and security forces.
The Chief Minister also stated that those responsible for inciting violence through social media would face strict action. Digital surveillance units have been instructed to monitor online activities and identify anyone spreading false or provocative content related to the case.
Authorities are now examining video footage and eyewitness accounts to identify the remaining seven suspects. Police officials revealed that several local groups had gathered in protest when violence broke out. Leading to damage to public property and injuries among both civilians and security personnel.
Appeal for Calm and Cooperation
In a late-evening statement, Sarma appealed to the people of Assam to maintain peace and allow the investigation to proceed without interference. He reminded citizens that law enforcement agencies are doing their utmost. Although, ensuring transparency and justice in the Zubeen Garg case.
He further urged the public to avoid engaging in activities that could lead to unrest, warning that any attempt to disturb public order would be dealt with firmly. “No one is above the law. Those who tried to exploit the situation for political or personal gain will be held accountable,” the Chief Minister said.
Community leaders from Baksa have also called for restraint, emphasizing the need to respect the ongoing legal processes. Several social organizations have urged the government to initiate dialogue with the affected communities to prevent further escalation.
Growing Political Reactions
The riot and subsequent arrests have sparked political debate across Assam. Opposition leaders have accused the government of mishandling the situation, claiming that better crowd control measures could have prevented the violence.
Congress leader Debabrata Saikia, who earlier filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over alleged police excesses in Baksa, reiterated his demand for an independent inquiry. He stated that the administration must be held accountable for lapses in managing public protests.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders defended the government’s response, asserting that maintaining law and order was the top priority. They highlighted that the police acted with restraint despite facing aggression from the crowd.
Political analysts believe the incident could become a key talking point in upcoming local elections, as emotions around the Zubeen Garg case continue to run high across the state.
Background: Unrest Linked to Zubeen Garg Case
The Baksa riot erupted shortly after the SIT submitted the post-mortem report of Zubeen Garg to the court. The report, which has not yet been made public, has fueled widespread speculation and protests across several districts.
Garg’s untimely death has deeply affected Assam’s cultural community. The beloved singer and actor was known for his immense contribution to Assamese music and cinema, and his passing has left fans in shock.
Following the violence, security has been heightened around key government buildings and cultural centers in Guwahati, Kokrajhar, and Barpeta. Checkpoints have been set up across Baksa district to prevent further disturbances.
Ensuring Justice and Peace
The Assam Police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice in both the riot and the Zubeen Garg investigation. Senior officials stated that the law would take its course, and no one involved in spreading violence or misinformation would be spared.
Citizens are being urged to rely only on verified updates released through official government channels. The state government has also requested local media outlets to report responsibly to avoid further tension.
As Assam continues to mourn Zubeen Garg, the people’s demand for justice remains strong. The focus now lies on maintaining peace while ensuring a fair and transparent investigation into both the artist’s death and the unrest that followed.