Assam Police to Challenge High Court Bail in Zubeen Garg Death Case at Supreme Court

Assam Police will challenge the Gauhati High Court's decision to grant bail to two accused persons in the death case of singer Zubeen Garg before the Supreme Court as soon as the courts reopen. Special DGP CID and SIT Chief Munna Prasad Gupta stated that the appeals will be filed very soon once court holidays end. The trial is currently moving forward on a day-to-day basis in a fast-track court, with 134 witnesses examined so far.

Bail Details

The Gauhati High Court recently granted bail to suspended Assam Police DSP Sandipon Garg, who is a cousin of the late singer and was arrested by the Special Investigation Team. Justice Rajesh Mazumdar approved Sandipon's bail petition from a single bench. Special Public Prosecutor Ziaul Kamar noted that the court had not yet read out the full order for Sandipon. Earlier on October 9, the High Court also granted bail to co-singer Amritprava Mahanta on a bond of 50,000 rupees, making her the first accused to secure bail. Mahanta was arrested by the SIT in 2025 following hours of questioning.

Background and Arrests

Singer Zubeen Garg passed away on September 19, 2025, in a scuba diving accident in Singapore, just a day before he was scheduled to perform at the Northeast India Festival. Following his death, festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta was also arrested. In August, the Supreme Court directed the Assam government to ensure a diligent and expeditious trial against Shyamkanu Mahanta, who faces criminal charges in the case. Zubeen was widely known for his extensive work as a singer, composer, musician, actor, and filmmaker across multiple languages, gaining nationwide fame for the song 'Ya Ali' from the 2006 Hindi film 'Gangster.'

Context

High-profile criminal investigations often involve complex legal challenges when accused individuals seek and obtain bail during ongoing trials. Special Investigation Teams and state police forces frequently evaluate higher court appeals to contest bail orders if they believe it could impact the prosecution's case. The proceedings in this matter continue to draw significant public attention due to the popularity and cultural impact of the late artist.