Rumour Ignites Chaos: Nine Arrested After Violence Erupts Over False Zubeen Garg Death Report in Assam

A wave of apprehension and unrest recently swept through Assam's tranquil Baksa district, culminating in violent clashes near a local jail. The catalyst? A dangerous and entirely false rumour regarding the demise of beloved Assamese icon, singer Zubeen Garg. The incident saw law enforcement taking swift action, leading to the arrest of nine individuals in connection with the public disorder.

The events unfolded dramatically when misinformation began to spread like wildfire.

Zubeen Garg, a figure revered across Assam for his music and cultural contributions, had been admitted to a private hospital in Guwahati following a health scare. However, a malicious and unfounded rumour circulated that the singer had not only passed away but that his body had been brought to the Baksa district jail.

This baseless claim, preying on public emotion and concern for their idol, rapidly drew a large and agitated crowd to the vicinity of the prison.

As the numbers swelled, the gathering intensified into a volatile situation. The impassioned crowd, fuelled by grief and anger over the fabricated news, soon turned unruly.

Faced with escalating tensions and the potential for greater harm, local police were compelled to intervene with force. Officers resorted to a lathi-charge and even fired shots into the air to disperse the agitated mob, aiming to restore order and prevent further breakdown of public peace.

Addressing the volatile situation, Baksa Superintendent of Police, Pushkin Jain, quickly stepped forward to dispel the dangerous rumour.

He unequivocally stated that Zubeen Garg was not, and had never been, brought to Baksa. SP Jain urged the public to exercise caution and discernment, warning against the perils of believing and spreading unverified information, which clearly had the power to incite such widespread chaos.

Meanwhile, the true status of Zubeen Garg's health was confirmed to be stable.

The singer was, in fact, continuing to receive necessary medical attention at the private hospital in Guwahati, steadily recovering from his illness, far removed from the dramatic events his false death rumour had triggered.

In the aftermath of the disturbances, authorities moved swiftly to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence.

The arrest of nine individuals underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating acts of public disorder stemming from misinformation. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the incident and any potential instigators.

This distressing episode serves as a stark reminder of the potent and destructive power of misinformation in the digital age.

It highlights how easily false news, especially concerning public figures, can ignite fear, grief, and ultimately, violent unrest, necessitating robust responses from both authorities and a vigilant public to ensure peace and truth prevail.