Gaurav Gogoi Critiques Government's Handling of Zubeen Garg Case
Gaurav Gogoi's Concerns Over Zubeen Garg's Death Investigation
APCC chief Gaurav Gogoi at Zubeen Kshetra in Sonaour on Friday
Sonapur, Oct 23: Gaurav Gogoi, the president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the investigation into the death of Zubeen Garg, a prominent cultural figure in Assam. He accused the state government of failing to substantiate its claims in court and deliver justice for Garg.
During his visit to Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur, Gogoi criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for the slow progress on the memorial, which remains incomplete a year after Garg's passing.
Gogoi questioned the Chief Minister's management of the case, pointing out the lack of evidence presented in court despite the government's strong assertions.
“We have not witnessed any significant outcomes regarding justice for the singer. The Chief Minister's announcements in the Assembly have not been backed by proof in court. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by him has not been able to substantiate the allegations made,” Gogoi stated.
He further challenged why the government, which he claims can produce evidence from Pakistan against him, has not done so in Garg's case, despite assurances from the Chief Minister.
“I find it perplexing that a government capable of retrieving evidence from Pakistan cannot provide proof in this case, even after the Chief Minister's promises,” he remarked.
Gogoi also raised concerns about the absence of the state's Advocate General in the case, suggesting a conflict of interest due to the lawyer's ties to the Chief Minister and his role in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“Why was the Advocate General, who is closely associated with the Chief Minister and holds a position at BCCI, not assigned to this case? There are numerous questions, indicating a failure on the government's part,” he added.
Labeling the government's approach to the case as a significant failure, Gogoi asserted that Sarma's political legacy would be tainted by the injustice faced by Garg. He also criticized the exploitation of Garg's name for political purposes.
Gogoi expressed his disappointment over the delay in completing Zubeen Kshetra, questioning the government's priorities despite its claims of finishing various infrastructure projects.
“A year has passed, yet Zubeen Kshetra remains unfinished. The public is disheartened by the justice process surrounding Zubeen Garg. While the government boasts about completed flyovers and buildings, the state of this memorial speaks volumes about their commitment,” he stated.
He further alleged that some individuals close to Garg had exploited the singer for commercial gain, while reaffirming that the Congress party would support Garg's family and the people of Assam.
“Zubeen contributed immensely to our state, both culturally and socially, yet some of his close associates treated him as a source of profit. Perhaps he realized this, as indicated in his last interview. We stand with his family and the people of Assam, not merely as a political entity, but as advocates for the state's welfare,” Gogoi concluded.
It is noteworthy that the Gauhati High Court recently granted bail to Sandipan Garg and Amritprava Mahanta, who are implicated in the circumstances surrounding the singer's death. Following these bail decisions, the SIT announced plans to appeal to the Supreme Court against the relief granted.