Assam Info Commissioner Resigns After Brother’s Arrest in Zubeen Garg Death Case

Assam Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta has resigned from his post, citing a “special circumstance” after his brother, Shyamkanu Mahanta, was arrested in connection with the alleged murder of businessman Prasenjit Garg in Singapore.

In a Facebook post, the former Assam DGP said he chose to step down to avoid any conflict of interest if an RTI query concerning his brother came before the commission.
“My inner voice told me that if any query related to my brother is submitted, I should quit so that there is no doubt or confusion in anyone’s mind,” he wrote.

Mahanta said he had already informed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s office of his decision. He added that an RTI query had recently sought details of government funding given to Shyamkanu Mahanta for events he organised, including the North East India Festival in Singapore, where Garg was last seen before his death.

“Since the information sought involved Shyamkanu, I immediately submitted my resignation to the Governor,” he said, adding that the commission could have issued a proper reply, but he wanted to ensure “there is no shadow of doubt” over his neutrality.

Shyamkanu Mahanta is among seven people arrested in Singapore after Garg died while swimming during a yacht party on September 19. He was the chief organiser of the festival where the incident occurred.

A 1988-batch IPS officer, Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta served as Assam’s DGP from 2019 to 2023 before being appointed CIC in March 2023. His term was due to end in March 2026.