Ongoing Court Proceedings in Zubeen Garg's Death Case
Court Proceedings Continue in Zubeen Garg Case
Arrival of Zubeen Garg's mortal remains in Guwahati. (Photo: Adil Hussain/X)
Guwahati, April 1: The fast-track court's investigation into the death of the renowned Assamese artist Zubeen Garg has entered its third day, with the Assam government emphasizing the case's high priority.
After the latest hearing, Assam's Advocate General Devajit Saikia informed the media that the case is at a pivotal point, focusing on the discharge arguments.
“The hearings are ongoing, and we are now addressing the discharge issue daily. The special prosecution team, led by Ziaul Kamar, is advancing the case methodically,” Saikia stated.
He noted that the state is vigilantly overseeing the proceedings to maintain transparency and uphold procedural integrity.
“As the Advocate General, I was present in court today alongside Director of Prosecution Makhan Phukan. We are actively reviewing the case to ensure no irregularities occur. The prosecution team is highly skilled,” he added.
Saikia mentioned that he spent over an hour observing the court proceedings, highlighting the government's serious approach to the case.
“I was in court for about one-and-a-half hours. The Assam government has prioritized this case,” he remarked.
He explained that the seven-member prosecution team is meticulously recording all arguments and observations made during the hearings.
“The team is documenting all observations and arguments from the defense. We will respond to their points once they conclude, and I may also address the court if necessary,” he said.
While referring to the case as sub-judice, Saikia chose not to elaborate on its merits but expressed confidence in the prosecution's stance.
“We have submitted a robust chargesheet, and the court has begun evaluating its strength. The discharge hearing is anticipated to wrap up within a week,” he noted.
He clarified that the focus of the case is solely on whether Garg's death was a murder, rejecting any connections to unrelated commercial allegations.
“This case is strictly about determining if it was a murder. Allegations regarding petrol pumps and water projects are irrelevant,” Saikia asserted.
He also mentioned that the court has been conducting thorough daily hearings from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, reflecting the case's complexity.
“It's challenging to predict the duration of the hearings, as it will take at least four to five days for the special public prosecutor to present the case. We have numerous witnesses and need to provide electronic evidence, bank statements, and legal references regarding the discharge point,” he explained.
The chargesheet includes information about witnesses and the accused, which is crucial for the current stage of arguments.
The fast-track court proceedings commenced on March 30, amid significant public interest and calls for clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the cultural icon's death.
On the first day of hearings, the court acknowledged the chargesheet submitted by the prosecution, after which discussions on the discharge point began.