Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati

Guwahati, Nov 6: Assam Chief Information Commissioner and former Director-General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta has resigned after receiving several RTI applications concerning his brother, Shyamkanu Mahanta, who organised the music festival where singer Zubeen Garg was to perform before his death.

Bhaskar Mahanta stepped down on the recommendation of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who cited a conflict of interest.

Zubeen Garg was found dead in Singapore waters on September 19, a day before his scheduled performance. So far, seven people, including Shyamkanu Mahanta, have been arrested in connection with the case. Among the others arrested are Garg’s cousin Sandipan Garg, a Deputy Superintendent in Assam Police, band manager Siddharth Sharma, and two band members.

Shyamkanu Mahanta faces charges of murder, culpable homicide, causing death by rash or negligent act, and criminal conspiracy. He is also being investigated for alleged links to financial fraud, money laundering, and illegal acquisition of real estate assets.

Two of Garg’s private security personnel, Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya, were arrested after suspicious transactions worth over Rs 1.1 crore were found in their bank accounts. All the accused are in judicial custody till November 11.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the chargesheet will be filed before December 17 and asserted that Zubeen Garg’s death was an act of murder, not an accident.

A 10-member special team led by Special Director-General Munna Gupta is investigating the case. Singapore authorities have submitted an autopsy report to Indian officials, and the SIT is working to reconstruct the last 48 hours of the singer’s life. Pharmaceutical drugs found in Garg’s bag have added another layer to the investigation.