Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the violence-hit Baksa district on October 21, 2025, to console victims of the clashes that erupted outside the local jail a week earlier, extending financial support for their recovery. Sarma personally met two gravely injured civilians, Dipak Medhi and Bidyut Kalita, handing over cheques worth Rs 2 lakh each to cover medical expenses. The gesture underscores the state government's commitment to swift rehabilitation amid public outrage over the mysterious death of beloved singer Zubeen Garg, whose case has gripped the Northeast.

The October 15 unrest, which injured 21 individuals, including 10 police personnel, a dozen journalists, and several locals, stemmed from simmering frustrations as five accused in Garg's alleged murder were transported to Baksa Jail. Sarma, accompanied by senior officials, also reviewed security enhancements at the facility, assuring residents of a thorough probe while urging calm to prevent recurrence.

The confrontation unfolded on the afternoon of October 15 when a police convoy ferrying suspects Shyamkanu Mahanta, Siddharth Sharma, Sandeepan Garg, Nandeshwar Bora, and Paresh Baishya approached the jail under tight escort. Garg, a 45-year-old cultural icon revered for his contributions to Assamese folk and Bollywood music—including hits like "Morom Bani" that defined regional pride—died under suspicious circumstances on October 10 in Guwahati, initially reported as a suicide but later flagged as potential foul play involving drug overdose and assault.

Enraged locals, viewing the accused as symbols of systemic failure, mobilised swiftly, pelting stones at vehicles and shattering windows, which injured a female officer and damaged property. The melee escalated to baton charges and detentions, dispersing the crowd but leaving lasting scars; critically wounded victims like Medhi and Kalita were airlifted to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), while gunshot cases were referred to AIIMS Guwahati for specialised care.

Sarma's intervention highlights the delicate balance between justice and social harmony in Assam, where Garg's passing has ignited debates on youth drug abuse and celebrity vulnerabilities. The suspects, now housed in the jail's upgraded high-security wing with round-the-clock monitoring, face charges under IPC sections for culpable homicide and conspiracy, per a special investigation team led by the CID.

The CM praised the restraint shown by security forces and announced a Rs 50 lakh ex gratia to Garg's family, alongside enhanced counselling programmes in schools to combat substance issues plaguing 15% of urban youth, as per recent NDPS reports. Local leaders from BJP and AGP allies echoed Sarma's call for unity, while the opposition Congress demanded a CBI inquiry, alleging delays in the post-mortem. The visit, timed with ongoing Diwali festivities, also included distribution of relief kits to affected families, reinforcing the administration's proactive stance.

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As Baksa stabilises with a fortified perimeter around the jail, the episode serves as a stark reminder of Assam's cultural pulse intertwined with its quest for accountability. Garg's demise—amid rumours of blackmail and links to a broader narcotics ring—has mobilised civil society, prompting vigils across Guwahati and social media campaigns amassing 2 million views. Sarma's outreach not only aids immediate healing but also spotlights preventive measures, including a proposed anti-drug task force. With the probe advancing toward forensic revelations expected next week, the state navigates grief toward resolution, ensuring icons like Garg's legacy endure beyond tragedy.

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