Jorabat, Nov 23: A new conflict has emerged regarding the administration of Zubeen Kshetra located in Hatimura, Sonapur. This dispute involves claims of financial misconduct and the unauthorized establishment of a new committee, resulting in significant disagreements among local factions connected to the memorial of the late singer Zubeen Garg.
The issue was initially raised when several long-standing volunteers reported being barred from performing their routine maintenance tasks at the memorial site. These volunteers, who have been responsible for the site's upkeep since the singer's cremation, alleged that they were warned to vacate the area and faced obstruction from individuals associated with the newly formed committee.
In response, members of the new committee refuted these claims, asserting that no one was prevented from accessing the site. Mridula Ingjale, the president of Kamarkuchi Panchayat, dismissed the accusations of obstruction or intimidation against the volunteers.
On the other hand, another group of local residents has leveled accusations against some former committee members, alleging financial mismanagement. During a press conference held at the memorial, they pointed out discrepancies in donation records. They noted that the previous committee reported a collection of Rs 4.5 lakh within the first 40 days following the singer's death, while the new committee claimed to have collected Rs 4.63 lakh in just 19 days after November 2.
This group described the donation pattern as "suspicious" and claimed that contributions from numerous visitors were not accurately documented prior to the new committee's formation. This has led to calls for an investigation to ensure accountability.
The unfolding situation has raised concerns among local residents, who have urged that the memorial, which attracts a steady stream of admirers from across the state, should remain free from political or personal conflicts. They emphasized that Zubeen Kshetra has quickly become a vital symbol of public sentiment and must be managed with integrity and impartiality.