Guwahati: Assam Chief Information Commissioner Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta has stepped down from his position after a series of Right to Information (RTI) applications were reportedly filed seeking details related to his brother, Shyamkanu Mahanta. Shyamkanu was one of the main organisers of the music event where singer Zubeen Garg was scheduled to perform before his death.

Mahanta submitted his resignation on the recommendation of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. His decision follows an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the popular singer, who passed away in Singapore on September 19.

Who has been arrested in the Zubeen Garg case?

So far, seven people have been arrested in connection with the case. Those taken into custody include event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeen Garg’s cousin and Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandipan Garg, the singer’s manager Siddharth Sharma, two members of his band Shekharjyoti Goswami and Amritprabha Mahanta and two private security staff identified as Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya.

All seven are currently in judicial custody till November 11.

What did Bhaskar Mahanta say about his decision?

In a detailed Facebook post, Bhaskar Mahanta said his resignation was guided by “conscience and fairness”. He explained that he did not want his official position to raise any public doubt if RTI requests concerning his brother were to come before the Information Commission.

What were his contributions as Chief Information Commissioner?

Bhaskar Mahanta, who took office as Chief Information Commissioner on April 5, 2023, said he had focused on improving transparency and efficiency within the commission. His initiatives included digitising the system, enabling online RTI applications, holding hearings via video conferencing, improving case disposal, and taking action against individuals who misuse the RTI Act for intimidation or blackmail.

He stated that these reforms were aimed at making the RTI mechanism more accessible and transparent.

What led to his final decision to step down?

Mahanta noted that a “special situation” had now arisen following the controversy involving his brother. “When the controversy involving my brother surfaced, I made it clear to myself that if any RTI was filed regarding him, my position should not cast even the smallest shadow of doubt in the public mind,” he said.

He added that although an RTI applicant had personally expressed faith in his integrity while seeking information regarding government funding of cultural events linked to Shyamkanu Mahanta, he still decided to resign in keeping with the commitment he had made earlier.

“Even if I had remained in office, the applicant would have received the correct information. But I felt it necessary to ensure that there should be no room for misunderstanding,” he wrote.

IANS inputs