Protests Erupt in Assam Demanding Justice for Zubeen Garg Ahead of Supreme Court Hearing

In a significant show of solidarity, hundreds of protesters gathered at Zubeen Khetra in Assam, calling for justice for the late cultural icon Zubeen Garg. The protest, organized by the Zubeen Garg Nyay Samiti and led by Raijor Dal, comes just before a Supreme Court hearing regarding the bail of two accused in Garg's death. Leaders like Akhil Gogoi warned of intensified protests if bail is granted, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming court decision for Assamese society. The event highlighted ongoing concerns about the investigation's integrity and the need for accountability. As the community awaits the court's ruling, tensions remain high, with promises of continued demonstrations if justice is not served.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 5, 2026, 18:08 IST

Mass Gathering at Zubeen Khetra

Raijor Dak leader Akhil Gogoi during the protest at Zubeen Khestra

Guwahati, Nov 5: A large crowd assembled at Zubeen Khetra in Sonapur on Thursday, advocating for justice for the beloved Assamese artist Zubeen Garg, just one day prior to the Supreme Court's hearing regarding the accused, Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddharth Sharma, linked to Garg's death.

The event, organized by the Zubeen Garg Nyay Samiti and spearheaded by Raijor Dal, featured demonstrators chanting slogans such as “Himanta Biswa Sarma Hai Hai”, “Joi Zubeen Da”, and “Joi Aai Axom”.

Akhil Gogoi, the leader of Raijor Dal, emphasized the significance of November 6 for the Assamese community, warning that protests would escalate if bail is granted to Mahanta and Sharma.

“They must return Amritparabha and Sandipan to jail. If the Supreme Court grants bail tomorrow, we will escalate our protests. We will rally every day against the government led by Himanta Biswa Sarma. Tomorrow is crucial for Assamese society,” Gogoi stated.

Gyanshree Bora, another party leader, urged the Assam government to prevent the release of the accused and called for a more thorough investigation into the matter.

“The investigation by the SIT has not produced satisfactory results. We demand a new chargesheet from the SIT. The accused must not be released under any circumstances,” she asserted.

Several youth representatives, including Bidyut Saikia, Bikash Asom, Marsel Baruah, and Sarat Sourav, also spoke at the protest, voicing their demands for justice for Garg.

Saikia raised concerns about the investigation, alleging that key statements from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were omitted from the chargesheet, which he believes contributed to the bail granted to Amritprabha Mahanta and Sandipan Garg.

“We are anticipating tomorrow. If Shyamkanu and Siddharth receive bail, there will be widespread outrage throughout Assam. The BJP and Himanta Biswa Sarma will face the repercussions,” Saikia warned.

This protest follows the SIT's announcement on October 18 that it would contest the bail decisions for Amritprabha and Sandipan in the Supreme Court.

SIT chief Munna Prasad Gupta indicated that the Gauhati High Court's bail orders would be challenged, with appeals set to be filed after the courts resume following the holidays.

The Gauhati High Court had granted bail to Sandipan on October 16, citing limited potential for evidence tampering.

Additionally, Amritprabha was granted bail on October 9 after both parties presented their arguments.

The upcoming Supreme Court hearing on November 6 is anticipated to draw significant attention across Assam.