Assam CIC quits to 'avoid conflict of interest' in Zubeen Garg death cases

Assam's chief information commissioner Bhaskar Mahanta has resigned from his position to avoid any potential conflict of interest after an RTI application was filed seeking details of his brother Shyamkanu Mahanta, one of the prime accused in the mysterious death of singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg.

Bhaskar Mahanta is a former DGP of Assam. His brother is currently in Baksa Jail in connection with the singer's death. "I received a letter on November 4 informing me that an RTI would be filed regarding my brother. The letter acknowledged my commitment to fairness and democratic values. But to avoid any perception that I might influence the process, I chose to step down," Mahanta said.

In a social media post, he said he had been deeply attached, both professionally and emotionally, to the Assam Information Commission and he chose to step down to maintain complete transparency and to avoid any potential conflict of interest.


"My conscience told me that if anyone were to seek information related to my brother through the commission, it could raise doubts or suspicions in the public mind. Therefore, in the interest of maintaining complete transparency, I felt it was appropriate to step down from my position."