The District Magistrate of Tezpur has ordered an official investigation into Tezpur University following serious allegations from students about the administration’s handling of legend Zubeen Garg’s death.
When Assam declared three days of state mourning for beloved Zubeen Garg, students expected their university to show respect. However, Tezpur University decided to continue regular classes and held student council elections during the mourning period.
This decision upset many students who felt the university was being disrespectful to Assam’s cultural icon. The situation became worse when Vice Chancellor Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh told protesting students “Don’t make things funny” when they demanded an apology.
Angry students organized protests and submitted a formal letter to the Vice Chancellor with seven key demands:
- A week-long tribute program for Zubeen Garg
- Formal apology from the administration
- Apology to the people of Assam
- Recognition of an independent student union
- Protection against unfair punishment of students
- Building a memorial for martyrs on campus
- Better respect for Assamese culture and student voices
The students waited through the night without food, hoping to meet with the Vice Chancellor. However, he left the campus without addressing their concerns.
Instead of solving the problem, the university administration decided to start autumn break four days early. Students believe this was done just to send them home and end the protests. This move has been criticized as an attempt to avoid dealing with the real issues rather than finding proper solutions.
Seeing the seriousness of the situation, the District Magistrate has appointed Additional District Magistrate Kamal Baruah to investigate all allegations. The inquiry team will look into:
- Whether the university showed proper respect during Zubeen Garg’s mourning period
- The Vice Chancellor’s alleged inappropriate comments to students
- The administration’s overall handling of student concerns
The investigation team has been given 10 days to submit their findings.
This incident has highlighted ongoing problems at Tezpur University under the current administration. Students and former students have complained about:
- Poor treatment of students
- Slow processing of scholarships
- Frequent power cuts and water shortages in hostels
- General mismanagement
The university, which was established as part of the historic Assam Accord, is facing criticism for not living up to its responsibility to serve Assam’s educational and cultural needs.
The investigation is expected to determine whether the university administration acted inappropriately during this sensitive time. Students continue to demand accountability and better treatment from their university leaders.
This case has become a symbol of larger issues about respecting local culture and listening to student voices in educational institutions across Assam.
