Guwahati: Controversial social media personality Shikha Sarma has once again landed in legal trouble. This time, she has been arrested for posting objectionable and derogatory remarks against popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg and his family on social media.
Shikha Sarma was arrested by the Assam Police Crime Branch on Monday following an FIR filed by Garima Saikia Garg, wife of Zubeen Garg. Based on the complaint lodged at the Crime Branch, Sarma was taken into custody from her residence on Monday afternoon. She was later produced before a court and remanded to two days of police custody for further interrogation.
According to the complaint, Sarma had repeatedly posted controversial and offensive content targeting Zubeen Garg and his family members on social media platforms. She had also demanded a ban on the singer, triggering widespread outrage.
About Shikha Sarma
Shikha Sarma is known as a controversial figure who remains highly active on social media. She introduces herself as a singer and writer. In the past, she had strongly criticised Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and made derogatory remarks against him. At one point, she accused the Chief Minister of expanding his dominance in Assam by disregarding Assamese cultural icons.
During that phase, Sarma had also openly praised AIUDF president Badaruddin Ajmal, calling him a “true Muslim” and stating that he had not only empowered himself but had also inspired hope among lakhs of people.
However, in recent times, Sarma has completely changed her stance. She has allegedly used offensive language against members of the Muslim community on social media while simultaneously praising Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. She has gone so far as to describe Dr Sarma as the “Arjuna of the 21st century” and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “Krishna,” claiming that Assam’s development chariot is now racing towards the skies due to their leadership.
Obscene Remarks Against Zubeen Garg
Shikha Sarma has frequently targeted Zubeen Garg through social media campaigns. Her latest posts reportedly crossed all limits, containing obscene and defamatory comments not only against the singer but also against his family members.
Following these posts, Garima Saikia Garg filed an FIR with the Assam Police Crime Branch, alleging character assassination, hate speech, and attempts to disturb social harmony.
Garima Saikia Garg’s Reaction
Reacting after filing the FIR, Garima Saikia Garg told the media –
Zubeen is no longer with us, but everyone in Assam and beyond knows his integrity and his contributions to Assamese society, culture, and the younger generation. It is unimaginable that someone would attempt to malign the character of such a person.
She further described Shikha Sarma as an “enemy of Assam,” stating
“This woman does not respect Assam, Assamese people, or Assamese values. She has made obscene comments not only about Zubeen but also about me, my sister-in-law Pami Barua Thakur, and my father-in-law, who is unwell after losing his son. She has also made communal remarks that could disturb law and order. Such behaviour is unacceptable to the people of Assam.”
Garima Saikia Garg also criticised Sarma for allegedly supporting Zubeen Garg’s killer, stating that anyone who does so cannot be considered a true Assamese and that Sarma showed no sense of shame or remorse.
FIRs by Fan Clubs and Artistes’ Bodies
Apart from the FIR filed by Garima Saikia Garg, the Zubeen Fan Club, with support from the Kamrup Metropolitan District Zubeen Fan Club, has also lodged a complaint against Shikha Sarma. They questioned the basis on which Sarma made such abusive remarks against the iconic singer.
The Zubeen Fan Club has announced plans to file FIRs in 22 districts across Assam. Additionally, members of the Assamese artistes’ community have also lodged complaints against Sarma for her controversial remarks.