Guwahati: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Gauhati High Court seeking a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the suspicious death of Assam’s cultural icon, Zubeen Garg. The petition, filed by Abhijit Sharma and Palash Ranjan Baruah, has brought to light a series of alleged irregularities, possible criminal conspiracy, and misuse of official positions surrounding the case. The move has intensified public demand for a transparent and fair inquiry into the circumstances of the singer’s untimely demise.
The petition raises serious questions about the involvement of DSP Sandipan Garg of the Assam Police in the North East Festival, a business and cultural event that had no relation to his official duties. Concerns have been voiced about whether the officer had any formal authorization to participate in the event and, if so, under what administrative or legal provision. Observers fear a conflict of interest and possible misuse of public office, with growing calls for clarity on whether proper government sanction was obtained for his participation.
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The PIL also highlights allegations involving Shyam Kanu Mahanta, a politically and administratively influential figure in Assam, and the younger brother of former DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, who currently serves as the Chief Information Commissioner of the state. Petitioners and observers alike have expressed concern that Mahanta’s influence could potentially interfere with or obstruct the ongoing investigation, thereby compromising its impartiality and independence. The issue has triggered strong reactions across the state, with citizens demanding that no political or administrative pressure be allowed to affect the course of justice.
Adding further gravity to the case, Shekhar Goswami, a close associate of Zubeen Garg, has alleged that when the singer was retrieved from the water, his lips and fingers had turned blue, suggesting possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance. Reports have also hinted that excessive alcohol consumption might have either directly contributed to his death or created conditions that led to it. These revelations, the petitioners argue, warrant a detailed forensic and criminal investigation into both the cause and the circumstances leading to Garg’s death, including the possible involvement of third parties.
Another serious allegation concerns Siddhartha Sharma, who has been accused of unlawfully possessing Zubeen Garg’s mobile phone and social media accounts. It is alleged that Sharma uploaded videos and posts in the deceased singer’s name without authorization, misleading the public and influencing the late singer’s family. The petition claims that these posts led to confusion and emotional distress, reportedly prompting Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia, to appeal for the withdrawal of FIRs against Sharma. Such actions, the petitioners contend, reflect a deliberate attempt to manipulate public perception and obstruct the course of justice.
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The PIL paints a picture of what it describes as a premeditated and coordinated conspiracy involving multiple individuals, aimed at suppressing or destroying evidence, misleading authorities, and concealing the truth behind Zubeen Garg’s death. The alleged offences include suspicious death or murder, criminal conspiracy, misappropriation, obstruction of investigation, forgery, unauthorized use of digital assets, and violations of the Information Technology Act. The petitioners have emphasized that these allegations must be investigated thoroughly to uphold public trust and ensure accountability at all levels.
In their plea, Sharma and Baruah have urged the authorities to conduct a full-scale investigation into the circumstances of Garg’s death, examine the roles of those allegedly involved, and initiate action against any officials found guilty of negligence or misconduct. They have also sought the involvement of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to probe possible financial irregularities linked to the case. The petition calls for all electronic data, videos, social media content, and financial records to be preserved and examined as part of the investigation.
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The PIL concludes with an appeal for the immediate registration of an FIR and the initiation of a transparent and comprehensive investigation to ensure justice for Zubeen Garg. Given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the serious allegations of conspiracy, the case has captured widespread public attention across Assam. The petition underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to due process to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of one of the state’s most beloved cultural icons.
