Guwahati: The Assam Police have arrested a man in connection with the alleged piracy of late singer-actor Zubeen Garg’s last film, Roi Roi Binale, which released on October 31. The accused, identified as Rafiqul Islam, was apprehended in Lakhipur, Goalpara district, for uploading clips of the film on his YouTube channel, Rafiqul R Vlogs, police said on Thursday.
Following his arrest, Rafiqul was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court and remanded to three days in police custody. A case has been registered at the Cyber Police Station, Panbazar, under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Copyright Act, 1957, and the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
The complaint was filed by the film’s producer, Shyamantak Gautam, who alleged that unauthorized individuals had begun uploading parts of the film online within days of its theatrical release.
Roi Roi Binale has become a landmark success in Assamese cinema, grossing ₹16 crore within 12 days of release, making it the highest-grossing Assamese film ever.
Zubeen Garg’s death and aftermath
The film’s release came just weeks after the tragic death of Zubeen Garg, who passed away on September 19 in Singapore. The beloved Assamese singer — known nationwide for hits like Ya Ali — reportedly drowned during a swimming outing near a festival venue. Despite immediate CPR and being rushed to Singapore General Hospital, he was declared dead on arrival.
His sudden death sparked widespread public mourning across Assam, with thousands of fans attending his funeral. The state government declared a three-day mourning period in his honour.
Following the tragedy, police scrutiny intensified. The Assam Police and CID have registered multiple FIRs and are conducting a full-scale investigation, including a second autopsy and arrests of festival organisers and Garg’s manager amid allegations of negligence and criminal conspiracy.
Zubeen Garg’s music transcended boundaries — he sang in several Indian languages and became an emotional and cultural icon for millions of fans across the country.