Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Assam CIC Resigns Due to Brother's Arrest in Zubeen Garg Death Case
The top information official in Assam, Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, is quitting his job.
He said he is stepping down for 'special circumstances' because his brother, Shyamkanu Mahanta, was arrested.
Shyamkanu is involved in the case of a singer named Zubeen Garg who died in Singapore.
Recently, an RTI activist asked for information about government support given to people and organizations, including his brother.
Mahanta felt that to be completely fair and honest, as required by the Right to Information Act, he should resign.
He met with the governor to explain his decision, stating that his brother is in jail.
Mahanta wants to make sure no one doubts the fairness of any information provided about his brother's case.
Assam Chief Information Commissioner Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta has resigned from his post.
Mahanta cited "special circumstances" and "moral grounds" for his resignation.
His decision follows an RTI query about his brother, Shyamkanu Mahanta, who was arrested in connection with the death of singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore.
Shyamkanu Mahanta, an event organizer, is in judicial custody, and the Assam Chief Minister has stated Zubeen Garg's death is a murder case.
Mahanta stated his resignation is to uphold impartiality and transparency, ensuring no doubts are cast on the administration of justice regarding the RTI petition.
- Who
- Assam Chief Information Commissioner Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta
- What
- Resigned from his post
- When
- Wednesday (resignation announced Thursday, November 6, following an RTI query on Nov 4)
- Where
- Assam, India
- Why
- To uphold impartiality, transparency, and good governance, citing moral grounds due to his brother's arrest in the Zubeen Garg death case and an associated RTI query.
Mahanta's Stance
Public and Legal Scrutiny
Conflict of Interest and Impartiality
Mahanta's Stance
Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta resigned on moral grounds to uphold impartiality, transparency, and good governance, especially after receiving an RTI query related to his brother, Shyamkanu Mahanta, who is in judicial custody.
Public and Legal Scrutiny
The resignation follows his brother's arrest in connection with Zubeen Garg's death, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the need for absolute impartiality in handling any information requests related to the case.
- Resigning Official
- Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta
- Position
- Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), Assam
- Reason for Resignation
- Moral grounds, to uphold impartiality and avoid perception of bias due to brother's arrest and an RTI query.
- Related Person
- Shyamkanu Mahanta (Brother)
- Brother's Role
- Event organizer, reportedly received government support for events.
- Incident Context
- Death of singer Zubeen Garg while swimming in Singapore.
- Brother's Legal Status
- Arrested, in judicial custody, part of a murder investigation.
- RTI Query Date
- November 4
Sources
Assam Chief Information Commissioner, whose brother is accused in Zubeen death case, steps down citing ‘moral grounds’
Assam CIC Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta Resigns After Brother’s Arrest In Zubeen Garg Death Case
‘Conscience made me quit’: Ex-DGP resigns as Assam CIC amid RTI on jailed brother
Zubeen Garg death case: Assam CIC resigns after RTI applications on his arrested brother
Assam CIC Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta quits after brother’s arrest in Zubeen Garg death case
Assam CIC Bhaskar Resigns After Brother’s Arrest in Zubeen Garg Death Case
5 stories you must read today, November 6: From ED attaching assets of Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan to Assam CIC’s resignation and more
Zubeen Garg case: Assam information commissioner quits after brother’s arrest
