Woman arrested for ‘defamatory’ social media post against Zubeen

Guwahati: A woman was arrested on Monday for allegedly posting offensive and defamatory remarks against Zubeen Garg on social media, police said.

The accused, identified as Sikha Sarma, was arrested based on a complaint filed by Zubeen’s wife Garima Saikia Garg with the Crime Branch of Guwahati police.


A senior police officer said a case has been registered against the accused under various charges, including ‘provoking breach of peace’, ‘defamation’, and ‘promoting enmity between different groups’. The officer added that police arrested her from her residence at Guwahati’s Patharquary area soon after the FIR was registered.

Sources said Garima’s complaint referred to a series of objectionable posts allegedly written by Sarma on social media over a period of time.

Sarma is accused of making demeaning and personal comments against the character and legacy of the late singer.

Talking to the media after filing the police complaint, Garima said, “I cannot believe that someone can write such things about Zubeen. Initially, we chose to ignore her, assuming she was mentally unstable. However, there is a limit to our patience.”

She further alleged that the social media posts amounted to defamation, criminal intimidation, hate speech and communal provocation, with the potential to disturb law and order in the state.

“She (Sarma) also made objectionable comments about my sister-in-law and father-in-law. This woman shows no respect for Assam or the sentiments of the Assamese people. The derogatory remarks directed at me and my family are completely unacceptable,” Garima added.

Members of the All Assam Zubeen Garg Fan Club also lodged a complaint at Dispur police station against Sarma over the same issue. Club president Piku Borgohain said while the public is seeking justice for Zubeen, Sarma has been diverting the issue.