GUWAHATI, Oct 15: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the mob attack on the police convoy, transporting five accused in the Zubeen Garg death case to the district jail in Baksa, as “unfortunate”, while condemning certain sections for “politicising” the singer’s death by inciting violence and derailing peace in the state, ahead of next year’s Assembly elections.
“The attack on police personnel in Baksa is unfortunate. Certain individuals are stooping to the lowest level to provoke people in the name of the late singer’s death…Every day after Zubeen’s death, be it on social media or during discussions, we get to see certain sections indulging in acts of provocation to incite emotional fans and followers of the late singer,” Sarma said while addressing mediapersons in New Delhi on Wednesday evening.
He further observed that the “objective by these sections trying to provoke people in the name of Zubeen’s death” is to keep the situation in Assam volatile and tense till the Assembly elections in April next year for political gain. “Such a law-and-order problem will also bring a bad name to Assam and affect tourism in the state,” he added.
Appealing to the singer’s fans for restraint and patience, the chief minister also urged people to have faith in the ongoing probe by the special investigation team (SIT) of Assam CID.
“Only the probe team of the police administration is authorised to gather evidence from investigation, interrogation of accused and witnesses in the case. We are certain that a water-tight chargesheet can be produced by the SIT before the court well ahead of the 90-day period,’ he said.
In regard to the circulation of “fabricated” news on social media in connection with the case, Sarma said that while people are highly emotional and seeking prompt justice for their beloved cultural icon, false information, circulated by certain individuals, have provoked people amidst an ongoing investigation, which is being conducted in a proper manner.
Criticising individuals who have become “overnight Zubeen fans” after his demise, the chief minister also took a dig at some individuals and Opposition leaders for earlier slamming Zubeen’s statement on an artiste, Rajib Sadiya, who died after a stage performance in January this year.
“So, some sections, who had earlier criticised Zubeen, now have turned overnight Zubeen fans,” Sarma said.
The chief minister further stated that he met the Acting High Commissioner of Singapore, Alice Cheng, during which he reiterated the state government’s request to the Singaporean authorities to extend their fullest cooperation to Assam Police in the case. “We have been assured of all possible support in this matter,” he stated.
“Meanwhile, Singapore police are carrying out a detailed probe into the case. The authorities there have sought a list of Assam Police officers, scheduled to travel to Singapore as part of the ongoing investigation in the case. They have also sought the discussion agenda in the case,” Sarma said.
