Tragedy Strikes Rongali Bihu: Zubeen Garg's Manager, Organizer in Custody Over Singer's Death

A pall of grief has settled over the Assamese cultural fraternity following the tragic death of promising singer Shubhankar Boruah, an incident that has now led to the arrest and subsequent police custody of Zubeen Garg’s manager, Papu Deka, and event organizer Snigdha Rajkhowa. The duo was remanded to 14-day police custody by the Kamrup (Metro) Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation into alleged negligence at the 'Rongali Bihu Sanmilan' in Guwahati.

The unfortunate incident occurred during the 'Rongali Bihu Sanmilan' at Latasil playground, where Boruah, while performing, tragically fell from a bamboo stage.

The singer succumbed to his injuries, sending shockwaves across the state and prompting serious questions about event safety and accountability. Boruah’s family, heartbroken by their loss, filed a First Information Report (FIR) alleging severe negligence on the part of the organizers, claiming that proper safety measures were not in place for the event.

Acting on the family's complaint, the Latasil police initiated a thorough investigation.

Their initial findings pointed towards a glaring lack of adequate safety arrangements at the event venue. The subsequent arrests of Papu Deka and Snigdha Rajkhowa underscore the seriousness with which authorities are treating the allegations of negligence.

The investigation is now delving deeper, extending its scope to include the roles of various organizations and individuals involved in the event's planning and execution.

Authorities are scrutinizing whether the 'Rongali Bihu Sanmilan' had obtained all necessary permissions from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and the district administration. A key area of inquiry is the structural integrity of the temporary stage and the overall safety protocols—or lack thereof—that contributed to the fatal accident.

In the wake of the arrests, popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, whose manager is implicated, issued a statement distancing himself from the organizational aspects of the 'Rongali Bihu Sanmilan'.

Garg clarified that his involvement was strictly as a performer, emphasizing that he had no role in the event's management or the setup of the stage. This clarification seeks to separate his artistic contribution from the legal complexities now facing the event organizers.

As Papu Deka and Snigdha Rajkhowa remain in police custody, the investigation is expected to unravel further details regarding the chain of command, responsibilities, and any potential lapses that led to Shubhankar Boruah's untimely demise.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of stringent safety regulations and meticulous planning in event management to prevent such heartbreaking tragedies in the future.