Assam CIC Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta resigns amid Zubeen Garg death case RTI queries

Guwahati: Assam Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta resigned following multiple RTI applications related to his brother, Shyamkanu Mahanta, who organized the music festival where singer Zubeen Garg was scheduled to perform.

Bhaskar Mahanta, a former Director-General of Police in the state, stepped down on the recommendation of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, citing a conflict of interest.

Zubeen Garg was found dead in the waters off Singapore on September 19, just a day before his scheduled performance. So far, authorities have arrested seven individuals in connection with the case, including Shyamkanu Mahanta.

Other arrested individuals include Garg’s cousin, Sandipan Garg, a Deputy Superintendent in Assam Police, his band manager Siddharth Sharma, and two members of his band. Two of Garg’s private security personnel, Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya, were also taken into custody following revelations of suspicious bank transactions totaling over Rs 1.1 crore, which investigators believe may be linked to the case.

Shyamkanu Mahanta faces multiple charges, including murder, culpable homicide, causing death by rash or negligent act, and criminal conspiracy. He is also under investigation for alleged financial fraud, money laundering, and illegal real estate acquisitions.

All seven accused remain in judicial custody until November 11, facing the same charges. Chief Minister Sarma stated that authorities will file a chargesheet by December 17, reiterating that Garg’s death is being treated as murder, not an accident.

A 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Special Director-General Munna Gupta, is actively investigating the case. Last month, Singaporean authorities submitted Garg’s autopsy report to Indian investigators, who are now reconstructing the final 48 hours of his life. The effort has gained urgency after the discovery of pharmaceutical drugs in Garg’s belongings.