Guwahati, April 13 (IANS) The Northeast Frontier Railway has developed a new Bihutoli, a cultural ground for celebrating Bihu and other important cultural events, at Maligaon, officials said on Monday.​

NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that in a heartfelt tribute to Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, it has been named “Zubeen Garg Railway Bihutoli,” reflecting the deep cultural connect and admiration for the artist across Assam.​

He said that the Bihutoli has been developed with various modern facilities, including a permanent stage area, dining hall, toilet complex, community space, boundary wall, and an all-weather ground.​

The newly developed ground is all set to host the annual Rongali Bihu celebrations organised by Pandu Bihu Sanmilani, Maligaon, from April 14 to 17. In this connection, a Pre-Bihu opening event was held at the newly developed ground recently.​

The occasion was graced by Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway, amidst traditional Bihu celebrations. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from railway officials, local residents, and cultural enthusiasts.​

Adding grace to the occasion, Palmee Borthakur, Zubeen Garg’s sister, was also present. She expressed the family’s gratitude for the honour bestowed upon the legendary artist.​

The initiative underscores Northeast Frontier Railway’s commitment to celebrating regional culture and honouring icons who have made significant contributions to society. The naming of the Bihutoli stands as a symbol of Zubeen Garg’s enduring legacy, especially during the vibrant Bihu festival, which holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Assam.​

The iconic singer Zubeen Garg died on September 19 last year while swimming near Lazarus Island in Singapore. The incident occurred just a day before the singer was scheduled to perform at an event organised under the North East India Festival banner.​

Following the incident, a Special Investigation Team constituted by the Assam Police’s Criminal Investigation Department conducted an extensive probe and filed a chargesheet in December last year. ​

The charge sheet named seven accused individuals, including North East India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta. Of them, four have been booked on charges of murder, intensifying the gravity of the case.​

Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had termed the case a “plain and simple murder” during a discussion in the state Assembly, underlining the government’s stance on the matter.​

Meanwhile, a parallel investigation carried out by the Singapore Police reached a different conclusion, stating that there was no evidence of foul play in Garg’s death. ​

Despite this, authorities in Assam have maintained that the findings of the foreign probe will not influence the ongoing investigation and trial in the state.​

The case continues to draw widespread public and political attention, with the upcoming bail hearing expected to be a crucial stage in the legal proceedings.​

–IANS

sc/dan