Sometimes, certain news reports are not just pieces of information; they deeply touch the human heart. The Zubeen Garg Death Case is one such matter, linked to a sensitive and serious incident, that has drawn attention not just from Assam but from the entire country. A new chapter is set to begin in this case today (Tuesday), when all seven accused will be presented virtually before the court for the first hearing. This decision is an attempt to balance both fear and hope.
First Hearing, But Not in the Usual Manner
This will be the first hearing of the case in the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Kamrup (Metro). After the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Assam Police filed the charge sheet, the judicial process is now formally moving forward.
Although the court had initially ordered the physical presentation of the accused, the police made a special request considering the prevailing circumstances.
Why Was the Path of Virtual Appearance Chosen?
The CID informed the court that there was a risk of deterioration of law and order if the accused were physically presented. The decision was deemed necessary due to concerns about public gatherings, tension, and potential disorder.
After a detailed discussion with the government side and the Director of Prosecution, the court granted permission for the virtual appearance. This decision shows that the system is working not just with strictness, but also with prudence.
What Will Happen in Today’s Hearing?
Some important procedures will be completed by the court:
- Information about the health status of the accused will be taken.
- Copies of the charge sheet will be provided to the accused.
The CID has been instructed to hand over these documents to the accused within the jail itself, ensuring their legal rights are upheld.
What Will Happen Next in the Zubeen Garg Death Case?
This relief is not permanent. As soon as the case is referred from the CJM to the Sessions Court for trial, the physical presence of the accused in court will become mandatory.
Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the CJM’s duty is to refer serious cases to the Sessions Court, where detailed and in-depth hearings take place.
The SIT Filed a 3,500-page Chargesheet
The Special Investigation Team(SIT) had finally filed the chargesheet in the death case of Assam’s cultural icon Zubeen Garg. The mysterious death of the renowned singer Zubeen Garg not only shook music lovers but also left many questions unanswered in people’s minds. After months of extensive investigation, the SIT (Special Investigation Team) filed a 3,500-page chargesheet in court—further strengthening the hope that “when will the truth finally come out?”
The Sections, The Charges
The SIT pressed charges against Shyamkanu Mahanta (Organiser), Siddhartha Sharma (Manager), Shekhar Goswami (Musician) and Amritprabha Mahanta (Singer) under sections 103 and 106 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
While Zubeen Garg’s cousin, Sandipan Garg, has been booked under Section 105 BNS, Shyamkanu, Siddhartha and PSOs Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya are charged under section 316 BNS.
The SIT Brought the Chargesheet to Court in Four Trunks
On Friday morning(December 12), a sight was witnessed at the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court in Guwahati that reinforced the seriousness of the case. The chargesheet, packed into four large trunks, was brought by a 9-member SIT team—indicating how detailed and in-depth the investigation has been.
The report, prepared under the leadership of SIT Chief SDGP Munna Prasad Gupta, includes:
- Statements from over 300 witnesses
- Forensic and digital evidence
- The complete timeline of events
- Key documents related to the death that occurred abroad
Mysterious Death Occurred in Singapore in September
Zubeen Garg, who had gone to attend the North East India Festival (NEIF) in Singapore, died while swimming in the sea on September 19. The incident was as sudden as the questions it left behind—which is why the matter became a political and social focal point across the state.
Seven Arrested, All in the Chargesheet
The SIT has named the 7 individuals arrested three months ago in the chargesheet. They include:
- Shyamkanu Mahanta, Festival Organizer
- Siddharth Sharma, Zubeen Garg’s Manager
- Amritprabha Mahanta, Singer
- Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, Musician
- Sandipan Garg, DSP and Zubeen’s Cousin
- Paresh Baishya, PSO
- Nandeshwar Bora, PSO
Suspicious financial transactions were also identified in some cases, which further deepened the investigation.
Disclaimer:
This news has been prepared based on available legal and official information. Its purpose is purely informational. Any conclusion will depend on the final decision of the court.
Dr. Bidyut Barun Sarmah, with 22+ years of experience in print, electronic, and digital media, holds an MA and PhD in Mass Communication and Journalism. He has worked with AIR, Doordarshan, and the Publication Division under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. A published author and researcher, Dr. Sarmah writes extensively in both Assamese and English. He was also awarded a prestigious fellowship by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for his study on journalistic literature—an achievement that highlights his depth of scholarship and contribution to media studies. At Nest of News, he leads the editorial team and contributes across diverse topics.