Guwahati: Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi has raised serious concerns about the ongoing investigation into the death of Assam’s music icon Zubeen Garg, claiming that the probe will “never deliver justice” due to critical lapses in the legal process. In a detailed video message shared on social media, Gogoi directly challenged the Assam Home Department and SIT head Munna Prasad Gupta, asserting that the evidence collected from Singapore is inadmissible in court.
Gogoi explained that under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) between India and Singapore, any cross-border investigation must comply with both countries’ domestic laws. He emphasized that a “letter of request” or letter rogatory must be issued by an Indian court to the competent authority in Singapore to gather evidence, record witness statements, or obtain documents. Gogoi alleged that the Assam government and investigating officers had bypassed this process, rendering the evidence collected invalid.
Criticizing the SIT’s work, Gogoi said, “Our SIT head Munna Prasad came back from Singapore with a big zero. They claim to have brought back the final post-mortem and toxicology reports. When a person dies abroad, the country of occurrence must send those reports to the family — which cannot be called evidence. It becomes legal evidence only when it comes through a proper court process, and the person who conducted the post-mortem must appear before the court.”
Gogoi warned that unless the SIT obtains evidence, witness statements, and documents via letters rogatory, the entire chargesheet could collapse. “If this is not done, all accused in judicial custody will get bail even before charges are framed. And if charges are somehow framed, the court will reject them in the first trial itself. Even if a murder charge is included, nothing will happen,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed confidence in the probe, stating that the SIT has made “substantial progress” and will file the chargesheet within the 90-day deadline. Sarma said, “The SIT is absolutely confident about ensuring justice for Zubeen. When it submits the chargesheet by December 17, people will appreciate their work.” The state government remains committed to a thorough investigation, Sarma added.
The controversy surrounding the investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death has sparked widespread debate, with many demanding justice for the legendary singer. As the SIT works to complete its probe, the outcome of the investigation remains uncertain. Will the authorities take corrective action to ensure a fair and transparent probe, or will the lapses in the legal process undermine the pursuit of justice? Only time will tell.
