Charges Filed Against Seven Individuals in Zubeen Garg's Death Case

The tragic death of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg has led to significant legal developments, with a fast-track court in Guwahati filing charges against seven individuals, including four for murder. The court's decision follows a thorough examination of the case, which initially ruled out foul play, attributing his death to accidental drowning. Key figures involved include Zubeen's manager and several associates, all facing serious allegations under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. As the trial approaches, the roles of each accused will be closely scrutinized, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding this cultural icon's untimely demise.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 27, 2026, 08:07 IST

Legal Proceedings in Zubeen Garg's Case

Prominent Assamese vocalist Zubeen Garg passed away at the age of 52 in Singapore on September 19, 2025. Recent updates indicate that a fast-track court in Guwahati has brought charges against seven individuals, four of whom are accused of murder. Earlier investigations ruled out foul play, determining that Zubeen's death was due to accidental drowning. According to reports from a news portal, the court presided over by district and sessions judge Sharmila Bhuyan has framed charges under ten sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita following arguments from both parties. The charge sheet submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by Assam CID was also reviewed.

Murder Charges Filed Against Four Individuals

As reported by a media outlet, the charges encompass various provisions related to shared intent and involvement in a crime by multiple individuals, including criminal conspiracy, murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, extortion, cheating, criminal breach of trust, and destruction of evidence. This will lead to a comprehensive trial.

Individuals Named in the Case

Among those charged are Zubeen's manager, Siddhartha Sharma, Shyamkanu Mahanta, the event manager in Singapore, Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, a long-time band member, and Amrit Prava Mahanta, another well-known Assamese singer. They face serious allegations under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita concerning murder. The case also includes charges related to joint criminal acts, cheating, extortion, and concealment of evidence. Reports indicate that Siddhartha, Shyamkanu, Shekhar, and Amrit Prava are implicated in criminal conspiracy and murder under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Shyamkanu faces additional charges under Sections 308(2) (extortion), 318(4) (cheating and dishonest inducement), and 238 (causing disappearance of evidence), while Siddhartha and Shekhar are also charged under Section 316(5) (criminal breach of trust). Amrit is charged under Section 238 for causing the disappearance of evidence.

Furthermore, Zubeen's cousin and former Assam police officer Sandipon Garg has been charged under Section 105. Other individuals, Paresh Baishya and Nandeswar Borah, along with Zubeen's two security guards, face charges under Sections 61(2) and 316(5). The public prosecutor confirmed that the applicability of each section and the roles of the accused will be scrutinized during the trial.

Details Surrounding Zubeen Garg's Death

Zubeen, a celebrated cultural figure from Assam, died in Singapore. Reports indicate that he was 'severely intoxicated' and drowned near Lazarus Island after refusing to wear a life jacket, as stated in a Coroner's court report by Lydia Lam from Channel NewsAsia.