What Was in the Post That Led to Sikha Sarma’s Arrest?

GUWAHATI: The Assam Police Crime Branch has arrested controversial woman Sikha Sarma in connection with a case involving allegations of hate speech, communal provocation, criminal intimidation and defamation against late Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg and his family.

The arrest was made following an FIR lodged by Garima Saikia Garg, wife of the late singer, before the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Guwahati.

Earlier today, Sarma was detained for questioning from Nilachal Apartment in the Patharquarry area of Guwahati, after which she was formally arrested upon registration of the case.

FIR Details

In her complaint dated 19 January 2026, Garima Saikia Garg accused Sikha Sarma of publishing an extremely malicious public Facebook post on 17 January 2026, which allegedly contained abusive language, false allegations and threats aimed at maligning the character of her late husband and harassing his grieving family.

The Crime Branch registered Case No. 2/26 under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Sections 152, 196, 299, 351, 352, 353 and 356.

Allegations of Defamation and Intimidation

According to the FIR, Sarma’s Facebook post included baseless allegations attacking the character of Zubeen Garg, along with derogatory remarks against Garima Saikia Garg and other family members. The complainant stated that the remarks were made with the clear intent to tarnish the reputation of the late singer, who remains a revered cultural figure in Assam.

The FIR further alleges that Sarma issued direct threats, claiming she would “expose” personal details related to Zubeen Garg, his sister and his father. The complainant stated that these threats were intended to intimidate and harass the family, even though the singer is no longer alive to defend himself.

The complaint notes that Sarma dragged in references to the singer’s past, his father’s history and his sister’s personal life in a distorted and defamatory manner, amounting to deliberate harassment of a bereaved family.

Hate Speech and Communal Provocation

The FIR also highlights that the Facebook post contained inflammatory communal remarks, allegedly targeting specific religious and ethnic communities. Sarma is accused of making derogatory references to “Bangladeshi Muslims” and attacking individuals holding secular political views, language which the complainant said was clearly intended to incite hatred and communal disharmony.

Garima Saikia Garg stated that such remarks pose a serious threat to social harmony in Assam and could provoke public unrest if left unchecked.

Police Action and Court Proceedings

Following the FIR, the Crime Branch took over the investigation and arrested Sikha Sarma. She has since been produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court, Kamrup Metro District for further legal proceedings.

Separate complaints have also been filed at Dispur Police Station by members of the All Assam Zubeen Garg Fans’ Association, Zubeen Garg Fan Club and representatives of the artist community. Close associates of the late singer, including Partha Pratim Baruah and Rajesh Bhuyan, were present at the police station during the filing of complaints.

Garima Saikia Garg’s Statement

Speaking to the media, Garima Saikia Garg said the family initially ignored Sarma’s statements, assuming she was mentally disturbed.

“However, she crossed all limits. The obscene, abusive and defamatory statements against my late husband, his sister and even his bedridden father are unbearable. We will not allow anyone to divert attention from the main case,” she said.

Produced Before Court

After her arrest, Shikha Sharma was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court. The Crime Branch has taken over the investigation and further legal action is underway.

Notably, the arrest came on a day marking four months since the death of Zubeen Garg, with Garima Saikia Garg personally appearing before the Crime Branch to lodge the FIR.

Also Read: Assam: Shikha Sharma Detailed By Crime Branch After Garima Saikia Garg's FIR