Chaos Erupts in Assam: False Zubeen Garg Death Rumour Triggers Mob Violence, Fan Desperation

Assam was plunged into a state of utter disarray and grief following the rapid spread of a baseless rumour announcing the death of its beloved music icon, Zubeen Garg. The false news, which circulated rampantly across social media platforms, ignited a wave of shock, anger, and despair among his vast fanbase, culminating in widespread public unrest and alarming incidents of violence.

The epicentre of the chaos was Guwahati's Panjabari area, where a distraught mob, fueled by the devastating hoax, targeted the residence of Zubeen Garg's manager.

The situation quickly escalated, with the agitated crowd turning their fury towards a police vehicle, leaving it damaged in a testament to the raw emotion gripping the streets. Authorities struggled to contain the burgeoning unrest, facing an emotionally charged public unwilling to accept reassurances.

The fallout extended beyond property damage.

Disturbing reports emerged from Tezpur detailing an incident where a fan, overwhelmed by the false news, allegedly jumped into the Kolong river in a desperate act of despair. While initial reports linked this directly to the death rumour, police later clarified that the individual was rescued and the incident's direct connection to Zubeen Garg's rumour was being investigated, but it undeniably underscored the extreme emotional toll the misinformation was taking on his devotees.

As panic mounted, Zubeen Garg's manager, along with his family members, worked frantically to dispel the dangerous rumour.

They issued urgent pleas to the public, confirming that the singer was alive, healthy, and safe, urging everyone to disregard the malicious reports. Police officials, too, joined the efforts, appealing for calm and assuring citizens that the news was entirely fabricated.

This harrowing episode serves as a stark and urgent reminder of the perilous power of social media and the rapid, destructive potential of unverified information.

The incident highlighted how quickly a false rumour can spiral into a public safety crisis, triggering mob mentality, violence, and profound emotional distress among a devoted following. The events in Assam underscore the critical need for responsible information sharing and verification in the digital age, demonstrating the profound real-world consequences of online misinformation.