A demonstration against the management of a prominent assault case in Assam escalated into violence on Wednesday evening, underscoring significant public dissatisfaction with the judicial process in the Zubeen Garg incident. Zubeen Garg, a prominent Assamese singer and actor recognized for his musical contributions and charitable endeavors, was reportedly assaulted during a cultural event in the city, prompting extensive condemnation throughout the region and nationally.

Reports from witnesses detail a volatile situation outside the Kamrup District Court at approximately 6 PM, where three accused individuals—described as local individuals with purported political affiliations—were being transferred to judicial custody in a convoy consisting of four police vans and an escort vehicle. Several hundred demonstrators, displaying placards calling for immediate accountability and reciting demands for justice, had assembled since the morning. The assembly comprised supporters, students, and representatives from cultural bodies, collectively expressing solidarity with the figure emblematic of Assamese cultural identity.

The escalation occurred abruptly as part of the crowd advanced, projecting stones, containers, and incendiary devices toward the convoy. Flames rapidly consumed at least three vehicles, generating dense smoke and endangering personnel within. Law enforcement officers shattered windows to evacuate, while others positioned themselves to safeguard the detainees from potential vigilante actions.

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Authorities described the crowd as unmanageable, necessitating the deployment of tear gas and baton charges for dispersal. The disturbance disrupted vehicular movement on GS Road, with debris scattering across the thoroughfare and prompting evacuations by onlookers.

Injuries affected five police officers, including a sub-inspector who sustained second-degree burns during efforts to secure the convoy. Two journalists from regional media were also harmed: one sustained a laceration to the forehead from a projectile requiring medical sutures, while another suffered an ankle fracture amid the disorder. Medical facilities, such as Guwahati Medical College Hospital, admitted over 20 individuals for conditions including respiratory issues from smoke, wounds, and contusions. A hospital representative noted an influx of trauma cases commencing around 7 PM.

The event follows the detention of the three suspects earlier in the day, linked to the October 10 assault on Zubeen Garg at a public concert, where he was reportedly struck and mishandled over an access dispute. Preliminary investigations indicate the assailants were intoxicated and possessed privileged entry credentials, raising concerns regarding event security protocols. Demonstrators and activists have alleged delays in procedural actions, potentially influenced by the suspects' connections to influential figures in local politics.

This delay in arrests had fueled prior gatherings, with social media platforms disseminating footage of the incident and amplifying demands for transparency. The assault itself has drawn scrutiny to broader issues of celebrity safety and enforcement impartiality in Assam.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued a condemnation of the unrest via an official statement, pledging rigorous measures against participants. "The maintenance of law and order remains paramount, and perpetrators of such acts will face legal consequences," he stated on X. Opposition parties countered by attributing the escalation to perceived administrative shortcomings, asserting that eroded public confidence contributed to the volatility. A spokesperson for the Congress party remarked that such outcomes reflect systemic failures in addressing grievances.

In response, Section 144 prohibitory orders have been enforced in affected areas of Guwahati to avert additional disturbances. Zubeen Garg, recuperating from his injuries, released a recorded appeal advocating restraint: "Resorting to violence undermines our cause; allow legal mechanisms to proceed."

The occurrence highlights intersecting challenges involving public figures, regional identities, and law enforcement efficacy in Assam, prompting calls for expedited inquiries and enhanced protective measures. Authorities have initiated probes into the rioting, with forensic teams examining the site for evidence. Community leaders have convened discussions to address underlying tensions, while cultural organizations plan vigils focused on non-violent advocacy.

As the investigation progresses, updates from official sources will provide further clarity on accountability for both the original assault and the subsequent violence. This case may influence future policies on crowd management and high-profile security in the state, amid ongoing debates over judicial efficiency.

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