Zubeen Garg's family asks Assam governor for fast trial and strong opposition to bail

Family members of late singer Zubeen Garg met Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Wednesday to push for a speedy trial in his death case. Garg passed away on September 19, 2025, while swimming in the sea in Singapore, where he had gone to attend the fourth edition of the North East India Festival. Garg's wife, Garima Saikia Garg, and sister, Palme Borthakur, submitted a memorandum at Lok Bhavan along with film industry figures. The family expressed deep worry over the Gauhati High Court granting bail to two of the accused. They asked the state government to challenge these bail orders in the Supreme Court without delay.

Investigation and Charges

Following the singer's death, the Assam Police CID formed a Special Investigation Team after over 60 police cases were filed across the state. Investigators have filed a charge sheet in the case, which now sits at a crucial stage in court. Seven individuals faced arrest, including festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, manager Siddharth Sharma, band members Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta, cousin and suspended police officer Sandipon Garg, and personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya. Mahanta faces eight charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, while Sharma faces seven. Charges against the group include murder, culpable homicide, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence. Sandipon Garg and Amritprava Mahanta secured bail and left jail earlier this month.

Legal Steps Sought

The memorandum called for a coordinated prosecution team under the Assam Advocate General to handle proceedings across fast-track courts, the high court, and the top court. The family also wanted better handling of forensic, digital, and paper evidence, along with strong witness protection. Additionally, the family flagged claims of financial fraud, pointing to recovered government stamps, multiple PAN cards, and missing money earned by the singer. Meanwhile, Singapore police and a coroner's court previously stated that Garg was heavily intoxicated and drowned off Lazarus Island without foul play, though Assam authorities maintained those findings would not impact the local case.

Context

High-profile criminal cases involving public figures often spark intense public scrutiny and administrative pressure on the legal system. Families of victims frequently petition state governors and higher authorities to ensure prompt legal proceedings and prevent delays in the judicial process.