In a significant development in the high-profile case surrounding the death of beloved singer Zubeen Garg, all seven accused individuals made a virtual appearance before the Kamrup (Metro) District and Sessions Court on December 22. The court formally initiated the trial proceedings and has scheduled the next crucial hearing for January 3, 2026.
Trial Proceedings and Virtual Appearances
The accused were examined via video conferencing, a method the prosecution has cited is necessary due to security and law-and-order concerns. After verifying the presence of all accused, the sessions court set the next date to consider the framing of charges. Legal sources indicate that on January 3, 2026, the court will ask each accused whether they intend to plead guilty or contest the charges and proceed to a full trial. The court retains the discretion to summon them physically or continue with virtual mode for this process.
This case was committed to the sessions court by the Chief Judicial Magistrate earlier this month, following the submission of the chargesheet by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The first hearing in this court had already taken place on December 16, where the accused also appeared virtually. Advocate Dhrubajyoti Das has been appointed by the District Legal Services Authority to represent the accused.
Who Are the Accused Facing Trial?
The individuals facing trial include prominent figures closely linked to the singer and the events leading to his death abroad under mysterious circumstances. Appearing online from Baksa Jail were:
- Shyamkanu Mahanta, chief organiser of the North East India Festival (NEIF).
- Siddhartha Sharma, the late singer's secretary.
- Sandipan Garg, Zubeen Garg's cousin and a suspended Assam Police officer.
- Personal security officers (PSOs) Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya.
Joining the proceedings virtually from Haflong Jail were musician Shekharjyoti Goswami and singer Amritprava Mahanta. During the hearing, the singer's sister, Palmee Borthakur, was physically present in the courtroom. Speaking afterwards, she reiterated the family's continued and complete trust in the judicial process.
Charges and Investigation Findings
The charges filed by the SIT are severe and vary among the accused. According to the investigation's findings, four of the accused have been formally booked on murder charges. Sandipan Garg, the singer's cousin, faces a charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The two security personnel, Bora and Baishya, have been charged with criminal conspiracy and breach of trust, related to allegations of misappropriation.
Investigators have consistently stated that all charges are grounded in material evidence collected during the extensive probe. As the trial progresses forward from this point, the coming months are expected to feature detailed legal arguments from both the prosecution and the defense, keeping the case, which has drawn immense public attention, in the spotlight.
