Guwahati, Oct 15 (NationPress) The President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi has expressed serious concern regarding the “unprecedented and unfortunate” incidents that unfolded outside the Baksa District Jail. He called on the public to maintain peace while highlighting significant failures in law enforcement.

In his statement, Gogoi emphasized the need for a “thorough and impartial investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the death of the late singer Zubeen Garg. He stressed, “Justice can only be achieved through the legal process. Taking the law into one’s own hands will not serve that cause,” urging citizens to exercise calm and patience during this critical period.

The APCC president criticized both the police and the Home Department for their inability to foresee the unrest. “The law enforcement machinery had a responsibility to assess the situation and take preventive measures. Their failure has contributed to what we witnessed today,” Gogoi stated.

He expressed concern over reports of journalists suffering serious injuries while covering the event and condemned the attack on a regional media vehicle. “Attacks on media personnel are completely unacceptable,” he asserted, calling on authorities to ensure their safety.

Gogoi urged all involved parties to act with responsibility and allow the legal system to function, insisting that violence will only exacerbate the crisis.

Notably, violent protests erupted outside the Baksa District Jail after five suspects in the Zubeen Garg death case were escorted to the facility under heavy police security.

In response to the escalating situation, the district administration invoked prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to avert further disturbances.

The chaos intensified as an irate crowd gathered outside the jail, demanding that two of the accused—festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta and Zubeen Garg's manager Siddharth Sharma—be presented publicly.

The mob engaged in stone-pelting, injuring a female police officer and damaging several vehicles in the police convoy. Security forces were compelled to use batons to disperse the crowd, resulting in multiple detentions for unlawful assembly.

District Magistrate Gautam Das swiftly issued an order prohibiting all public gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, and processions within a 500-metre radius of Baksa Jail.

This order also prohibits the carrying of weapons such as lathis, daggers, spears, and swords, as well as the throwing of stones or any flammable materials, including firecrackers.

The directive cites concerns over a potential “breach of public peace and tranquillity” due to the unrest observed near the District Jail, Nikashi, Baksa, warning that violations will result in stringent legal repercussions under applicable laws. The prohibitory measures are effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

Authorities confirmed that the court ordered Mahanta and Sharma to be housed in Baksa District Jail instead of Guwahati Central Jail due to security issues and the necessity for enhanced surveillance.

The other three accused, Sandeepan Garg, along with personal security officers Nandeshwar Bora and Paresh Baishya, were also placed in judicial custody and brought to the same facility.