Sikha Sharma Arrested: Crime Branch Operation in Guwahati After Garima Garg’s Complaint
Guwahati, January 19, 2026: In a major development, controversial Assamese writer Sikha Sharma (also spelled Shikha Sharma) has been arrested by the Crime Branch of Assam Police from her residence in Patharkuwari, Guwahati. The arrest follows a complaint filed by Garima Saikia Garg, wife of the late legendary singer Zubeen Garg, alleging derogatory and objectionable social media posts targeting the iconic cultural figure.
According to police sources, Garima Saikia Garg lodged a formal complaint (FIR) against Sikha Sharma on Monday morning. The complaint accused the writer of making defamatory remarks about Zubeen Garg’s life, character, and tragic death, which occurred under mysterious circumstances in Singapore in September 2025. These posts reportedly caused emotional distress to the bereaved family and tarnished the late singer’s reputation and legacy.
Police Action and Charges
Based on the FIR, police registered Case No. 2/26 at the relevant police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 152: Acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India (often invoked in sensitive cases involving public sentiment).
- Section 196: Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc., prejudicial to harmony.
- Section 299: Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
- Section 351: Criminal intimidation.
- Section 352: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace.
- Section 353: Statements conducing to public mischief.
- Section 356: Defamation.
Following registration of the case, a team from the Crime Branch conducted an operation and arrested Sikha Sharma from her flat at C2, Block A, Nilachal Apartment, Patharkuwari, Guwahati. She is currently in custody, and further investigation into her social media activity is underway.
Background of the Controversy
The late Zubeen Garg, a beloved Assamese singer, actor, and cultural icon, passed away in September 2025 during a trip to Singapore. His death sparked widespread grief and led to a high-profile investigation by the Assam Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT), resulting in arrests and murder charges against several individuals, including event organizers and associates.
Sikha Sharma, known for her controversial opinions and past legal troubles (including previous arrests related to social media posts), allegedly shared content questioning aspects of Zubeen Garg’s life and demanding action in related matters. Garima Garg described the remarks as unacceptable and damaging to the family’s dignity.
Additionally, the Zubeen Garg Fan Club has reportedly filed a separate FIR against Sikha Sharma at Dispur Police Station for similar reasons.
This arrest has sparked significant public debate in Assam, with fans of Zubeen Garg expressing support for the legal action while others discuss freedom of expression.
The investigation continues, and authorities are examining the exact nature of the posts. Sikha Sharma is expected to be produced before the court soon.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
