The legal proceedings in the death of legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg are set to reach a critical stage on January 3, when a court will frame charges against seven accused, formally paving the way for the trial to begin. Court officials said the development marks a significant step in the judicial process surrounding the case that has drawn widespread public attention.
Those facing charges include Shyamkanu Mahanta, Siddharth Sharma, Sandipan Garg, Shekharjyoti Goswami, Amritprabha Mahanta, and personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya. All the accused are scheduled to appear virtually before the Sessions Judge’s court. Once charges are framed, the case will enter the evidentiary phase, with further directions on the conduct and timeline of the trial expected to be issued by the court.
The development follows strong assurances from the state government on ensuring a swift and transparent judicial process. On New Year’s Day, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described Zubeen Garg’s death as an irreparable loss to the state’s cultural and artistic legacy. Stressing the government’s resolve to ensure justice, he announced that a Special Public Prosecutor would be appointed on January 12, supported by a team of three to four criminal lawyers.
Sarma also said the government would move the Gauhati High Court seeking the establishment of a dedicated special court to hear the case exclusively, with the aim of expediting proceedings while maintaining full transparency. He lauded the Special Investigation Team for filing the chargesheet without delay and reiterated that the government would strictly adhere to due process of law at every stage.
Officials indicated that once charges are framed, the court is likely to lay down a clearer roadmap for the trial, as the case moves into its next and more substantive phase.
