Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced that he will discuss the possibility of setting up a fast-track court with the family of late singer Zubeen Garg. The move aims to speed up the trial of seven accused in connection with the singer’s mysterious death.
Speaking during a programme in Mariani in Jorhat district, Sarma said he wants to consult the family before taking any final decision. He clarified that the current judge has rejected all bail applications filed by the accused so far.
“As a rule, we do not change judges after they deliver good results,” Sarma said. He also cautioned that if authorities set up a fast-track court and it later grants bail, critics should not blame the government. “The process may appear slow, but the accused have remained in jail for five months,” he added.
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CM Rejects Political Allegations
The Chief Minister dismissed opposition claims that authorities might release the accused after the Assembly elections. He said some groups view the case through a political lens.
“Zubeen was above politics,” Sarma stated firmly. He stressed that the government’s focus remains on justice, not electoral considerations.
Family Demands Faster Hearings
Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, and his sister, Palme Borthakur, have expressed frustration over the pace of the trial at the Kamrup Metropolitan District and Sessions Court.
Garima said the court has entertained multiple petitions filed by the accused, which have slowed regular hearings. “We have requested a fast-track court for day-to-day hearings. However, the system has not moved in that direction,” she said.
She urged the authorities to ensure quicker proceedings so the family can receive timely justice.
Prosecutor Highlights Delays
Public Prosecutor Ziaul Kamar supported the call for faster hearings. He explained that repeated petitions from the defence have delayed the start of regular trial proceedings. The court must resolve those petitions before it can move forward with day-to-day hearings.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for March 2.
SIT Investigation and Charges
The Assam government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. The SIT arrested seven individuals and filed a chargesheet on December 12. The court held the first hearing on December 16.
According to the chargesheet, authorities have charged North East India Festival Director Shyamkanu Mahanta, Secretary Sidhartha Sharma, and band members Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta with murder.
Investigators have charged Zubeen’s cousin, Sandipan Garg, a suspended police officer, with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. They have also charged personal security officers Paresh Baishya and Nandeswar Bora with criminal conspiracy and breach of trust.
Background of the Incident
Zubeen Garg died under mysterious circumstances while swimming during the North East India Festival in Singapore on September 19. His sudden death shocked fans across Assam and the Northeast, where he remains a cultural icon.
As the case progresses, public attention continues to focus on the trial. The upcoming March 2 hearing could play a key role in determining how quickly the court moves forward. Meanwhile, the state government awaits consultations with the family before making any decision on establishing a fast-track court.
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