A fresh dispute has broken out at Zubeen Kshetra in Komarkuchi–Hatimura, where members of the old cremation committee have accused a newly formed cleanliness and monitoring committee of collecting donations without permission and mishandling funds amounting to ₹4.62 lakh. The allegations were made during a press conference held on Saturday.
The cremation committee said they decided to speak publicly after a news report highlighted suspected irregularities linked to the new committee. They said they felt the need to clarify their position because they have been handling cremation-related duties at Zubeen Kshetra from the beginning.
Committee members said that six people had received financial help from singer Manas Robin, while others working at the site did not get anything. They questioned why the distribution was selective when the cremation team had been working there consistently. They also alleged that the newly formed committee functioned on its own and collected money without any formal approval. 
Members of the cremation committee said they had personally met Garima Saikia Garg and Sudarshan Barthakur to raise their concerns. They said they officially entered the site on November 2 to check the financial records. According to the figures they presented, donations and offerings collected between November 1 and November 21 amounted to ₹4,62,719. They claimed the new committee had no administrative approval to operate.
The cremation committee also said that they were the original team in charge of performing last rites at the grounds. They said land for Zubeen Kshetra was handed over by locals of Sonapur after an assurance from the Chief Minister about setting up the crematorium. They added that the new committee handled operations for 40 days, after which the old committee expanded its structure and formed a larger body because they suspected irregularities in how things were being run. They also pointed out that earlier, the place was managed under the supervision of BJP member Dibya Medhi.
The cremation committee demanded a transparent investigation into the alleged financial discrepancies. They also urged the administration to dissolve any committees that were formed without proper permission.
Meanwhile, the Cleanliness and Maintenance Committee also connected in part to members of the old committee visited Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, and Sudarshan Garg on Friday. This committee said it was formed after a discussion with Garima on October 15, 2025, to ensure maintenance and supervision at the site. They said the committee was first formed on November 1 and then expanded on November 4 by adding more members from surrounding villages including Komarkuchi, Hatimura, Marjawabari, Sonapur, Digaru, Tamulikuchi and Goriyaghuli.
The newly expanded committee said its aim is to take care of cleanliness, regular maintenance, visitor management and preservation of the area, especially as the site has been seeing a large number of visitors following the passing of artist Zubeen Garg. They have formally sought approval from Garima to make the committee operational.
Further action will depend on Garima Saikia Garg’s decision on whether she approves the committee.
