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Assam Police Finalises Plans for Singapore Visit
Guwahati: In a significant development, the Assam Police is finalising its plans to send a team to Singapore to pursue an investigation into death threats issued against cultural icon Zubeen Garg. A senior police official confirmed that the procedural groundwork is complete, and the team is ready to depart upon receiving final clearance from international authorities.
This cross-border investigation highlights the expanding reach of Indian law enforcement in tackling global cybercrime.
The Social Media Threats Against Zubeen Garg
The case originated earlier this year after a social media user, operating under a pseudonym on Facebook, posted a series of venomous threats against the popular singer. The posts, filled with abusive language, threatened dire consequences and caused a massive uproar among Zubeen Garg‘s fans and the general public. Given the singer’s beloved status in the state, authorities took the threats seriously and initiated swift action.
How the Cyber Cell Traced the Accused
The Cyber Cell of the Assam Police immediately launched a probe, filing an FIR and using digital forensics to trace the origin of the malicious posts. A major breakthrough occurred when investigators successfully tracked the IP address of the accused to Singapore.
“Tracing an IP address is the first step,” the senior official explained. “The real challenge is navigating international law and securing cooperation. We have been in constant touch with the relevant central agencies, including the Ministry of External Affairs, to liaise with our Singaporean counterparts.”
Navigating International Legal Hurdles
Sending a police team abroad for an investigation is a complex diplomatic and legal exercise. It involves issuing a Letter Rogatory (LR), a formal request from a court in one country to the judicial authorities of another for assistance. This move underscores the seriousness with which the Assam Police is treating the case, signalling that geographical boundaries will not shield criminals targeting Indian citizens.
The planned visit to Singapore aims to identify, locate, and gather evidence against the individual behind the threats. The Assam Police team will work in close coordination with the Singapore Police Force to execute their investigation on foreign soil, with the ultimate goal of bringing the perpetrator back to India to face justice.
A Landmark Case for Cross-Border Cybercrime
This case serves as a crucial test for the state police force’s capability in handling high-profile, international cybercrime. It sends a powerful message that the anonymity of the internet does not provide impunity. For the people of Assam, it is a reassuring step, demonstrating the state’s commitment to protecting its cultural figures and upholding the rule of law, no matter where a threat originates.
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