Guwahati: Assam Chief Information Commissioner Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta has reportedly resigned from his post following a series of Right to Information (RTI) applications seeking details related to his brother Shyamkanu Mahanta, one of the key organizers of the concert. Singer Zubeen Garg’s program was fixed To perform before his death.
Mahant tendered his resignation on the recommendation of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Their decision comes amid an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the popular singer, who died in Singapore on September 19.
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Seven people have been arrested so far in the case, including event organizer Shyamkanu Mahant, 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 Mahant, and two private security personnel, identified as Nandeshwar Bora and Paresh Baishya.
All seven are currently in judicial custody till November 11.
In a detailed Facebook statement, Bhaskar Mahant said his resignation was guided by “prudence and fairness”.
Bhaskar Mahant wrote that he did not want any public doubt to arise over his status if an RTI request related to his brother came before the Information Commission.
Bhaskar Mahanta, who took charge as Chief Information Commissioner on April 5, 2023, said he has worked towards digitalizing the functioning of the commission, introducing online applications, conducting hearings through video conferencing, improving case disposal and taking action against those misusing the RTI Act for intimidation or blackmail.
He said that these reforms are aimed at making the RTI mechanism more accessible and transparent.
However, he said a “special situation” had now arisen.
He said, “When the controversy involving my brother came to light, I made myself clear that if any RTI was filed in connection with him, my position should not raise the slightest shadow of doubt in the minds of the public.”
Mahant said that although an RTI applicant had personally expressed confidence in his honesty when seeking information about government funding for cultural programs related to Shyamkanu Mahant, he decided to step down in view of his earlier decision.
He wrote, “Even if I had continued in office, the applicant would have received correct information. But I felt it necessary to ensure that there should be no scope for misunderstanding.”