The Zubeen Garg death case has taken a significant turn after the singer’s family urged Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya to ensure a speedy trial and stronger prosecution. The family also called for timely legal challenges against bail orders granted to two accused.
On October 28, Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, and sister, Palme Borthakur, met the Governor at Lok Bhavan and submitted a memorandum outlining their demands. They stressed the need for coordinated legal action, witness protection and a fair trial to establish the truth surrounding the popular Assamese singer’s death. Hindustan Times+1
Zubeen Garg death case: Family seeks faster trial
In their memorandum, the family said the investigation had reached a critical stage following the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the filing of a charge sheet by the investigating agency.
However, they expressed concern over the pace of judicial proceedings and urged the state government to ensure that legal action proceeds without unnecessary delays.
The family also voiced anguish over the Gauhati High Court’s recent decision to grant bail to two accused. While acknowledging the independence of the judiciary, they asked the government to challenge bail orders before a higher court wherever sufficient legal grounds exist.
The memorandum noted that the Assam government had expressed its intention to challenge the recent bail orders before the Supreme Court. The family urged authorities to translate that intention into prompt and effective action.
Their request seeks stronger prosecution while respecting established legal procedures and the authority of the courts. PTIFeed+1
Family demands coordinated legal action
The family has proposed a unified prosecution coordination mechanism under the guidance of the Assam Advocate General. The proposed arrangement would monitor proceedings before the designated fast-track court, the Gauhati High Court and the Supreme Court.
According to the memorandum, better coordination between investigators and prosecutors would help prevent delays and ensure timely filing of appeals. The family also called for experienced legal representation and stronger preparation of the prosecution’s case.
Additionally, they urged authorities to present documentary, forensic and digital evidence effectively. They stressed that investigators must protect witnesses and prevent any interference with evidence during the proceedings.
The family wants the government to provide all necessary support to secure a fair, thorough and expeditious trial. These requests form part of its broader appeal for accountability through the legal system.
Bail pleas and allegations under scrutiny
The family expressed particular concern over the bail applications of North East India Festival chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and Garg’s manager, Siddharth Sharma. Both face serious allegations in connection with the case.
Other individuals arrested include band members Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta, Garg’s cousin and suspended Assam Police Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandipon Garg, and personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya.
The accused face different charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions relating to murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy and causing death by negligence. The charges vary according to each accused’s alleged role.
Sandipon Garg and Amritprava Mahanta have secured bail and were released from jail earlier in October. The family wants authorities to challenge bail orders wherever legally justified and strongly oppose pending applications.
The memorandum also called for investigations into reported financial irregularities and suspected criminal activities allegedly involving some accused. These include claims concerning government department seals and stamps, multiple PAN cards, and the alleged misappropriation of Garg’s earnings. Such claims require proper investigation and should not be treated as established facts without supporting evidence. Hindustan Times+2
What happened to Zubeen Garg?
Zubeen Garg died on September 19, 2025, while swimming in the sea off Singapore. He had travelled there to attend the fourth edition of the North East India Festival.
The Assam Police’s Criminal Investigation Department formed an SIT after more than 60 first information reports were lodged across the state. The investigating agency subsequently filed its charge sheet, moving the matter into the judicial process.
Meanwhile, Singapore authorities conducted a separate investigation into the singer’s death. The Singapore Police Force found no evidence of foul play, while the Coroner’s Court ruled that Garg drowned after declining a life jacket.
The proceedings in Assam remain a separate legal matter. State authorities have maintained that the findings of the Singapore investigation would not prevent the case from proceeding in Assam.
The circumstances surrounding Garg’s death have drawn considerable public attention, particularly among his fans and the Assamese cultural community. However, the court proceedings must determine the legal responsibility of the accused based on the evidence presented. PTIFeed+1
Family calls for justice through lawful means
The family has clarified that its appeal is not directed against any individual or institution and does not seek to interfere with judicial independence. Instead, it wants the authorities to pursue the case effectively and ensure that all relevant evidence receives proper consideration.
It has also urged supporters to maintain peace and dignity while demanding justice. The family believes that coordinated prosecution, witness protection and timely legal action are essential to moving the proceedings forward.
As the Zubeen Garg death case advances, attention will remain on the prosecution’s next steps, pending bail applications and the progress of the trial. The family’s central demand is that the case proceed without avoidable delay and that accountability be determined through a fair judicial process.
Assam: Nine Foreign Nationals Apprehended in Dhubri, Handed Over to BSF for Deportation