Fast-Track Court Proposal for Zubeen Garg's Case Discussed by Assam CM

Chief Minister's Commitment to Zubeen Garg's Family

Guwahati, Feb 25: On Tuesday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced plans to engage with the family of singer Zubeen Garg regarding the establishment of a fast-track court to expedite the legal proceedings related to his death.

The judge currently overseeing the case has denied bail to all seven individuals implicated. Sarma noted that typically, judges do not change their decisions when there is a favorable outcome for the prosecution.

He cautioned, “If the case is moved to a fast-track court and the accused are granted bail, the responsibility should not fall on me.”

Despite the slow judicial process, Sarma emphasized that the accused have remained incarcerated for five months without bail.

“We will have a thorough discussion with Zubeen Garg's family before making any decisions,” he added.

In response to opposition claims that the accused might be released post-assembly elections, Sarma remarked that they view the situation through a political lens, asserting that Zubeen transcended politics.

Garima Saikia Garg, the singer's wife, along with his sister Palmee Borthakur, expressed their frustration over the sluggish progress of the case in the Kamrup Metropolitan District and Sessions Court.

They have urged the government to establish a fast-track court for more efficient hearings.

Garima stated, “I am perplexed as to why the court is considering the petitions of the accused, which only prolongs the process. We have consistently requested a fast-track court for daily hearings, yet it has not been established. I implore the government once more.”

Public prosecutor Ziaul Kamar has also advocated for a fast-track court, citing delays caused by multiple petitions from the accused.

He explained that regular hearings cannot commence until all petitions are resolved.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 2.

Among the seven accused, three—Amritprava Mahanta, a member of Zubeen's band, and his two personal security officers, Paresh Baishya and Nandeswar Bora—had previously sought bail, which was denied on January 30.

Other accused include Shyamkanu Mahanta, director of the Northeast India Festival, Siddharth Sharma, Zubeen's secretary, and band members Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amritprava, all facing murder charges as per the Special Investigating Team (SIT) formed by the Assam government.

Zubeen's cousin, Sandipan Garg, a suspended police officer, faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while the two PSOs are charged with criminal conspiracy and misappropriation of funds.

The SIT submitted its chargesheet on December 12, with the initial hearing occurring on December 16.

Zubeen Garg tragically passed away under mysterious circumstances while swimming during the Northeast India Festival in Singapore on September 19.