Baksa Jail Violence: Violent clashes broke out in Baksa district on Wednesday following the transfer of five accused in the death of Assamese cultural icon Zubin Garg to the newly constructed district jail. Following the incident, the district administration imposed a prohibitory order prohibiting all public demonstrations, rallies, and gatherings within a 500-meter radius for security reasons. The accused include Shyamkanu Mahanta, Siddharth Sharma, Sandipan Garg, and Zubin Garg’s two personal security officers, Paresh Baishya and Nandeshwar Bora.
Violent Protests and Vehicle Arson
Local residents and Zubin Garg’s supporters considered the transfer of the accused a privilege and gathered in large numbers outside the jail. The protesters chanted slogans such as “Joy Zubin Da!” and demanded the death penalty. The angry mob set fire to several vehicles, including a police van and a media OB van, and pelted security forces with stones. Police used lathicharge and tear gas to control the situation. One protester was injured by a bullet, while several journalists were also seriously injured.
Response of the Prison Administration and Security Forces
The official stated that they understand the public’s sentiments, but damaging public property and disrupting law and order is unacceptable. To control the situation, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the IPC and deployed additional security forces. The Baksa District Jail, built at a cost of ₹53.86 crore and capable of holding approximately 500 prisoners, was recently inaugurated to ease overcrowding in other district jails.
Baksa Jail at the Center of the #JusticeForZubeenGarg Movement
Baksa District Jail has now become the epicenter of Assam’s most emotionally charged #JusticeForZubeenGarg movement. The situation remains tense, and the administration has ensured a heavy security presence in the area to prevent any untoward incident. The protests and violence have created an atmosphere of panic and fear in the area, and the administration is constantly monitoring the situation. The public has been appealed to maintain restraint and cooperate with the administration in maintaining law and order.
