Tragedy Strikes Lakhimpur: Zubeen Garg's Manager and Festival Organizer Face Murder Charges After Fan's Death

A pall of grief and outrage has descended upon Assam following the tragic death of a 22-year-old youth, Abinash Hazarika, who allegedly succumbed to injuries sustained from an assault by bouncers at a musical festival. The incident, which occurred during an 'Open Air Musical Festival' in North Lakhimpur on December 29, 2023, has led to serious legal repercussions, with the manager of popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg and a festival organizer now booked on murder charges by the Assam Police.

Abinash Hazarika, a resident of North Lakhimpur, had reportedly attempted to meet Zubeen Garg backstage during the concert.

This innocent gesture, however, took a horrific turn when he was allegedly brutally assaulted by the bouncers deployed at the event. The young man sustained severe injuries and was immediately rushed to a local hospital. Due to his critical condition, he was subsequently transferred to the Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) for advanced treatment.

For weeks, Abinash fought for his life, battling the grave injuries inflicted upon him.

Sadly, on January 23, 2024, he passed away, leaving his family and the community in profound sorrow and anger. His untimely death has sparked a wave of condemnation across the state, demanding justice for the promising young life lost.

Following Abinash's demise, his distraught father lodged a formal First Information Report (FIR) with the local police, accusing those responsible for his son's death.

Acting swiftly on the complaint and the escalating public outcry, the Assam Police have registered a case under the stringent Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertains to murder.

The charges have been filed against both the manager of Zubeen Garg, whose identity has not been explicitly detailed in initial reports but is understood to be a key figure in managing the singer's events, and the organizer of the 'Open Air Musical Festival'.

This development underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the incident, pointing towards a failure in ensuring the safety and well-being of attendees at the event.

Even Zubeen Garg himself, the star performer of the evening, had publicly condemned the violence shortly after the incident, expressing his deep regret and calling for strict action against the perpetrators.

His statement highlighted the shock and disappointment felt by many regarding the actions of the security personnel at an event meant for public enjoyment.

The investigation is currently underway, with police expected to scrutinize the roles of all individuals involved, from the bouncers who allegedly carried out the assault to the organizers and management responsible for the overall security and conduct of the festival.

The tragic death of Abinash Hazarika serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust security protocols and accountability at public events, ensuring that such a devastating incident is never repeated.