Akhil Gogoi Criticizes Assam CM Over Zubeen Garg's Death Investigation
Akhil Gogoi's Strong Critique of Chief Minister
Guwahati, Nov 4: Akhil Gogoi, the president of Raijor Dal and MLA from Sivasagar, has launched a fierce critique against Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of orchestrating a 'drama in the name of justice' regarding the death of singer Zubeen Garg.
Gogoi asserted that the ongoing investigation has devolved into a political spectacle aimed at influencing public opinion ahead of the forthcoming elections.
While addressing the media at the home of the late Maniram Dutta, father of Chhatra Mukti Sangram Samiti president Pappu Dutta, Gogoi claimed that the Chief Minister’s recent comments about categorizing Zubeen Garg’s death as a 'murder case' and his promise to present a chargesheet by December 8 were merely 'theatrics' designed to gain public confidence.
“Justice for Zubeen Garg will not be served by the Chief Minister. He is merely performing for the public to secure their trust and shield those close to him,” Gogoi stated.
The MLA criticized the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Crime Investigation Department (CID) for not adhering to judicial protocols during their investigation, particularly concerning the legal processes in Singapore, where the singer passed away.
According to Gogoi, the Assam government neglected to send a letter rogatory from an Indian court to Singapore, which would make any post-mortem or toxicology reports from there inadmissible in Indian courts.
“The investigation by the Singapore government was not conducted under appropriate court procedures. Hence, Indian courts will not accept those reports,” he remarked, adding that “it is a harsh reality that no one involved in Zubeen Garg’s case will face punishment.”
Gogoi accused the Chief Minister of covering up to protect several individuals allegedly connected to the incident. He specifically mentioned Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the Chief Minister’s spouse, Union Minister Pabitra Margherita, and entrepreneurs Siddharth Sharma and Shyamkanu Mahanta, all of whom he claimed were present or involved in the North East Festival in Singapore, where Zubeen Garg was set to perform.
“Justice will be elusive because many of the accused have ties to the BJP. The SIT has questioned everyone from Bihu committees to local snack vendors, yet it has not interrogated Pabitra Margherita, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, or others close to the Chief Minister,” Gogoi alleged.
He further noted that investigators had not examined the water body where Zubeen Garg reportedly died, and that the team's visit to Singapore yielded no substantial findings.
Gogoi dismissed the Chief Minister’s recent claims about receiving toxicology and post-mortem reports from Singapore as mere 'routine formalities.'
“The CM will create a commotion when the chargesheet is filed, but it will lack credible evidence. This performance will persist until the elections, and once the BJP loses, the accused will be exonerated,” Gogoi warned.
“The entire endeavor is focused on absolving Riniki Bhuyan Sarma from the investigation and controlling the narrative,” he added.
In conclusion, the Sivasagar MLA described the investigation as manipulated and politically motivated, accusing the government of exploiting Zubeen Garg’s death for electoral gain.
“The whole inquiry has been transformed into a political spectacle. The government is dramatizing Zubeen Garg’s death under the guise of justice,” Gogoi reiterated, emphasizing his call for an independent investigation monitored by the court.