#JustIn: Top Assam Official Quits as Brother Faces Murder Charges in Zubeen Garg Case

Assam Chief Information Commissioner Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, a former Director-General of Police, has abruptly resigned amid swirling controversy in the Zubeen Garg death investigation. The move, recommended by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a "clash of interest," follows a barrage of RTI applications targeting Mahanta's brother, Shyamkanu Mahanta—the event organizer for the ill-fated music festival where the beloved Assamese singer was slated to perform. Garg's body was discovered in Singapore's waters on September 19, just hours before his stage appearance, turning what seemed like a tragic mishap into a sprawling murder probe that has ensnared seven individuals, including the organizer himself.

Shyamkanu Mahanta now faces grave charges of murder, culpable homicide, causing death by negligence, and criminal conspiracy, with separate probes delving into allegations of massive financial fraud, money laundering, and illicit real estate dealings. Among the other arrested are Garg's cousin, Deputy Superintendent Sandipan Garg of the Assam Police; his band manager Siddharth Sharma; two band members; and two private security guards, Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya. The guards' arrests stemmed from suspicious bank transactions exceeding Rs 1.1 crore, which investigators suspect tie directly to the conspiracy. All seven remain in judicial custody until November 11, bound by identical charges as the special investigation team unravels the web of deceit.

Chief Minister Sarma has vowed swift justice, declaring Garg's demise a deliberate "murder" rather than an accident and promising a comprehensive chargesheet by December 17. A 10-member special team under Special Director-General Munna Gupta is spearheading the inquiry, piecing together critical evidence from the singer's final days. Last month's autopsy report from Singapore authorities has been pivotal, revealing pharmaceutical drugs in Garg's luggage that raise questions about foul play, possible overdose, or tampering—prompting forensic experts to scrutinize every angle for a watertight case.

Also Read: Singapore Sends Key Reports in Zubeen Garg Case, SIT Closes In on Accused

The RTI flood on Bhaskar Mahanta exposed uncomfortable family ties to the event, forcing his exit to preserve probe integrity and avoid perceptions of bias in information access. Shyamkanu's central role in organizing the festival, coupled with his alleged financial improprieties, has intensified scrutiny on high-profile connections in Assam's cultural and law enforcement circles. As the investigation deepens, it uncovers layers of potential corruption that could ripple beyond the tragedy, testing the state's commitment to transparency.

With public outrage mounting over the loss of a cultural icon whose soulful melodies united generations, the case demands not just accountability but systemic reforms in event security and financial oversight. Families await closure as the SIT timelines Garg's last 48 hours, from travel logs to witness statements, in a bid to honor his legacy through unyielding pursuit of truth.

Also Read: Assam CM Criticizes "Fake Fans" Politicizing Zubeen Garg's Tragic Death