The Gauhati High Court on Friday rejected the bail petition of Shyamkanu Mahanta, one of the accused in the singer Zubeen Garg death case, citing a risk of fleeing, tampering with evidence, and influencing witnesses if released. Earlier, Mahanta was denied bail by the fast track court of Judge Sharmila Bhuyan on April 30, citing the risk of fleeing, following which the accused moved the high court.
Court Observations
After analyzing the submissions made by the prosecution and Mahanta's counsel, and reviewing the materials collected by the investigating officer, Justice Mitali Thakuria stated that prima facie it is evident that despite full knowledge about the health condition of the deceased Zubeen Garg, there was no proper safety arrangement or medical facilities for him, even though he was a patient of epilepsy. The court further noted that from the materials collected, it prima facie reveals that Mahanta was the person under whose consultation and advice the yacht party was organized, and he was aware of the organization of the event.
The court stated that it cannot be outrightly rejected that there is a flight risk if Mahanta is released on bail. His previous conduct of fleeing to Malaysia immediately after the incident prima facie supports the prosecution's plea of flight risk. Despite the seizure of his Aadhaar card, PAN card, and some bank documents during the investigation, the probability of absconding cannot be ruled out at this stage.
Flight Risk and Evidence Tampering
The judge added that the deceased, being one of Mahanta's good friends, could have immediately appeared before the investigating team in Guwahati after the incident. Instead, he fled to Malaysia with his family members and was subsequently arrested at Delhi Airport after Interpol was alerted. Additionally, the court said that with Mahanta being an influential person, the probability of hampering or tampering with witnesses cannot be denied at this stage.
At a press conference, Advocate General Devajit Saikia said the high court rejected bail after considering crucial points, including the risk of fleeing and possibility of evidence tampering. Saikia noted that Mahanta had earlier erased all his mobile data, and the prosecution worked hard to retrieve it. Thus, the high court viewed that there is a chance of evidence tampering by him.
Charges Framed
On May 26, fast-track court judge Sharmila Bhuyan framed charges against all seven accused, including four charged with murder, in the singer's death case. Zubeen Garg went to Singapore on September 17 last year to perform at the fourth edition of the North East India Festival. He died while swimming in the sea on September 19. Mahanta was the organizer of the festival.
An Assam police Special Investigation Team comprising nine officers was formed on September 24 last year to investigate the case, which submitted the charge sheet before the court of Kamrup (Metro) Chief Judicial Magistrate on December 12 last year. The CJM court committed the case to the court of district and sessions judges, Kamrup (Metro), on December 16, 2025.
Bail Rejected for Another Accused
Meanwhile, the fast track court on Friday rejected the bail plea of Zubeen's bandmate, Shekharjyoti Goswami, who is one of the seven accused, citing the risk of fleeing and avoiding trial if released on bail.
