YouTuber Arrested in Lakhipur for Pirating Zubeen Garg’s Record-Breaking Final Film Roi Roi Binale

In Lakhipur, a town in Assam's Goalpara district, police arrested 28-year-old YouTuber Rafiqul Islam on Wednesday for allegedly pirating clips from the late Zubeen Garg's final film, Roi Roi Binale. The arrest stems from a complaint filed by the film's producer, Shyamantak Gautam, with the Cyber Police Station in Panbazar, Guwahati, accusing unauthorized individuals of uploading the content online shortly after its October 31 theatrical release. Islam, who operates the channel "Rafiqul R Vlogs," was detained during a raid on his residence, where authorities seized electronic devices containing the pirated material. He was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate's Court and remanded to three days of police custody, with a case registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act of 2000, the Copyright Act of 1957, and the Cinematograph Act of 1952.

The investigation, now underway at the Cyber Police Station, focuses on how Islam obtained and distributed the footage, which reportedly garnered views and ad revenue on his channel before being removed following fan reports and official complaints. Preliminary probes suggest the clips were captured via unauthorized screen recording during screenings, potentially undermining the film's box-office success. Roi Roi Binale, a musical romantic drama directed by Rajesh Bhuyan and written and composed by Garg himself, has shattered records as the highest-grossing Assamese film, earning ₹16 crore in its first 12 days—a testament to Garg's enduring appeal despite his tragic death on September 19, 2025, in Singapore from drowning during a sea outing.

Described as a soulful tribute to love, art, and regional identity amid past conflicts, the film features Garg as a blind artist, with his original voice recordings preserved as a poignant farewell. Producers and director Bhuyan have decried the piracy as a "major blow" to Assam's nascent film industry, which relies heavily on theatrical revenues amid limited streaming options.

Zubeen Garg, the 52-year-old cultural icon revered for hits like the Bollywood track "Ya Ali" and his revival of Assamese cinema and music, passed away under mysterious circumstances while serving as a brand ambassador for the North East India Festival in Singapore. Initial reports cited drowning, but public outcry and conspiracy theories prompted Assam authorities to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has since treated the case as potential murder, arresting seven individuals—including Garg's manager, festival organizers, and a relative—for alleged financial irregularities and foul play totaling over ₹1.1 crore in suspicious transactions.

A second post-mortem confirmed no poisoning, yet the probe continues amid grief-stricken tributes from fans, Bollywood stars like Aamir Khan and Kangana Ranaut, and statewide mourning that halted daily life for days. Garg's legacy, spanning over three decades, includes revitalizing regional arts; his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, co-produced Roi Roi Binale to honor his 19-year vision for the project.

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This piracy incident underscores the vulnerabilities of regional cinema in the digital age, where quick leaks can erode earnings and dilute emotional experiences for audiences. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has condemned the act, directing police to pursue stringent action and urging the public to report suspicious uploads while promoting ethical viewing. As Roi Roi Binale expands to international screens in the US and Canada starting November 15—marking the first Assamese film to achieve such rapid global reach—the arrest serves as a deterrent, reinforcing calls for stronger IP protections. Fans and filmmakers alike hope it safeguards Garg's final masterpiece, ensuring his artistic vision endures beyond the shadows of theft and tragedy.

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