Scores of people took to the streets of Baksa district in Assam after the five people arrested in connection with the death of singer Zubeen Garg were shifted to the district jail on October 15.

The situation outside the jail in Nikashi remained tense as fans threw stones and tried to enter the premises. Protesters even set several vehicles ablaze, following which police resorted to lathi-charging and firing teargas shells. Several shots were also fired to disperse the crowd, but the situation could not be brought under control. As per reports, several reporters on the spot, police officers, and protesters suffered injuries during the scuffle. The exact number of those injured and the extent of damage to property could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report.

Protesters earlier said they were unhappy with the decision to send the accused to Baksa Jail, which is a newly constructed facility with no inmates and modern amenities. They also alleged that the state government was trying to protect the accused.

The development comes after the five accused — Shyamkanu Mahanta, the chief organiser of the North East India Festival, Zubeen’s manager Siddhartha Sharma, his cousin and police officer Sandipan Garg, and his two personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya — were sent to judicial custody by the Kamrup Chief Judicial Magistrate on Wednesday.

The court, citing concerns for their safety, directed that they be lodged in a jail with fewer inmates. Following the order, the authorities decided to shift all five to the newly inaugurated Baksa District Jail in Nikashi, which currently has no prisoners.

Also read | Zubeen Garg death: All five accused sent to judicial custody

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