Zubeen Garg's Death: Court Charges Seven, Including Four for Homicide

Tragic Passing of Zubeen Garg and Legal Developments

Celebrated Assamese musician Zubeen Garg tragically passed away at the age of 52 in Singapore on September 19, 2025. Recently, a fast-track court in Guwahati has initiated legal proceedings against seven individuals, with four facing homicide charges. Earlier investigations concluded that Zubeen's death was an accidental drowning, dismissing any foul play. In a recent update, the court, led by district and sessions judge Sharmila Bhuyan, has filed charges under ten sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, following discussions from both sides. The charge sheet presented by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) established by Assam CID was also examined.

Murder Charges Filed in Zubeen Garg's Case

According to reports from a media outlet, the court's charges include provisions related to shared intent, conspiracy, homicide, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, extortion, fraud, breach of trust, and evidence tampering. This development paves the way for an extensive trial.

Individuals Implicated 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, a prominent Assamese artist. They face serious allegations under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita concerning homicide. Additional charges include joint criminal actions, fraud, extortion, evidence concealment, and breach of trust. Reports indicate that Siddhartha, Shyamkanu, Shekhar, and Amrit Prava are implicated in conspiracy and homicide under relevant sections of the law. Court documents reveal that Shyamkanu is charged under Sections 308(2) (extortion), 318(4) (fraud), and 238 (evidence tampering), while Siddhartha and Shekhar are also charged under Section 316(5) (breach of trust). Amrit faces charges under Section 238 (tampering with evidence).

Furthermore, Zubeen's cousin and former Assam police officer Sandipon Garg has been charged under Section 105. Other individuals named include Paresh Baishya and Nandeswar Borah, who face charges under Sections 61(2) and 316(5), along with the singer's two security personnel. The public prosecutor confirmed that the relevance of each section and the alleged involvement of each accused will be thoroughly examined during the trial.

Details Surrounding Zubeen Garg's Death

Zubeen Garg, a cultural icon from Assam, died in Singapore. Reports indicate that he was 'significantly impaired' and drowned near Lazarus Island after declining a life jacket, as detailed in a Coroner's court report by Lydia Lam in Channel NewsAsia.