Court Delays Zubeen Garg Murder Case Hearing Again
The Kamrup Metropolitan sessions court postponed the hearing on charges in the Zubeen Garg alleged murder case once more on Saturday. Sessions judge G Baruah granted the prosecution's request to delay arguments. The special public prosecutor stated clearly that the prosecution would only begin arguments after the court disposes of multiple petitions concerning the non-supply of document copies to the accused individuals.
New Date Set for Document Petitions
Judge Baruah fixed January 30 as the next date for production, objections, and hearings related to four specific petitions. These petitions all concern the supply of crucial documents to the defense. The court also remanded all seven accused persons to further judicial custody until that date. Authorities produced the accused from jail through video conferencing technology during the proceedings.
In his official order, Judge Baruah wrote: "The case is also fixed today for hearing on consideration of charge. Learned special PP verbally submitted that after disposing of the petition relating to non-supply of copies to the accused persons, prosecution will start hearing on consideration of charge and accordingly prays to allow the same. Considered and allowed."
Background of Previous Delays
This case first appeared for charge consideration on January 3. The court deferred it to January 17 at that time because the public prosecutor requested additional time. The prosecutor cited the voluminous nature of the chargesheet and accompanying documents as the reason for needing more preparation time.
Details of the Four Petitions
The court must address four separate petitions before proceeding with charge consideration:
- Prime accused Shyamkanu Mahanta filed three petitions. He seeks proper supply of documents, de-freezing of his bank account that authorities froze during the investigation, and copies of documents not relied upon by the prosecution.
- Accused Shekhar Jyoti Goswami filed the fourth petition. He requests videography of the search and seizure operations involving property and articles related to the case.
Bail Applications Dominate Proceedings
Bail petitions dominated Saturday's court proceedings completely. Prime accused Shyamkanu Mahanta and the singer's former Personal Security Officer Nandeswar Borah both sought release from custody. Their applications bring the total number of bail petitions before the court to five separate requests.
The court scheduled hearings for all five bail applications on January 22. Only two accused individuals have not yet moved bail petitions: Zubeen's former manager Siddharth Sharma and bandmember Shekhar Jyoti Goswami.
Previous Bail Applications
Earlier on January 3, Zubeen's cousin brother Sandipon Garg filed a bail petition. Sandipon serves as an Assam Police official. The singer's Personal Security Officer Paresh Baishya also sought bail on the same day through legal aid defense counsels. Accused Amritprava Mahanta, Zubeen's co-singer, moved for bail through her private counsel on January 3 as well.
Video Link Proceedings Allowed
Judge Baruah allowed defense counsel for Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddharth Sharma to conduct proceedings via video link. However, the judge imposed specific conditions: hearings will not suspend in case of link failure, and both counsel must attend trial and evidence recording sessions physically.
Special Prosecution Team Formed
Senior advocate Ziaul Kamar appeared as special public prosecutor on Saturday. His appointment follows a January 13 government notification based on a cabinet decision. The government established a five-member panel of special public prosecutors specifically to drive this prosecution forward.
Medical Concerns Addressed
The court also addressed a petition from accused Shekhar Jyoti Goswami. Goswami stated he suffers from thyroid disorder and high cholesterol. He has not undergone any medical tests since March 26 of last year. His plea sought directions for proper medical treatment. The court allowed this prayer and directed jail authorities to provide all necessary medical care to Goswami as required by his condition.
