HT Digital.
Baska, 15 Oct : Mobile internet and data services were suspended across Baksa district on October 15 after violent clashes broke out during the transfer of five high-profile undertrial prisoners accused in the death case of singer Zubeen Garg. The Assam government imposed the shutdown to curb the circulation of rumours and inflammatory content that could worsen the already fragile situation.
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Tension flared when the accused — who were being moved from the district jail in Mushalpur to the newly inaugurated high-security facility in Nikashi — faced a mob of protesters demanding a fair probe into the case. The demonstration spiralled into violence as agitators pelted stones at police and torched vehicles, including a media van. Security forces responded with tear gas and blank firing to disperse the crowd.
In a notification issued soon after, Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Tewari cited a “serious law and order situation” and invoked the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, to suspend mobile data services with immediate effect. The order clarified that voice calls and fixed-line broadband would remain operational, while the suspension would continue until further orders.
This marks another tough measure by the administration as unrest continues in Baksa over the handling of the Zubeen Garg death case. Authorities have urged citizens to maintain peace, warning that any attempt to spread rumours or create panic online will invite strict legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Indian Telegraph Act.
