Guwahati Court Denies Bail to Musician in Zubeen Garg Death Case
The sessions court in Guwahati has rejected the bail application of musician Amritprava Mahanta, who faces murder charges in connection with the death of superstar singer Zubeen Garg. The court also denied bail to Garg's two personal security officers, charged with criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust.
Court Cites Serious Charges in Bail Rejection
In its order, the sessions judge stated that the charges against Mahanta are punishable with death or life imprisonment. The court noted that the prosecution's arguments "reflect a prima facie case against Mahanta for conspiracy with prime accused persons" and active participation in a conspiracy that facilitated Garg's death.
Details of the Fatal Singapore Incident
Zubeen Garg died in Singapore in September 2025 while attending the North East India Festival. On September 19, he went on a yacht outing organized by the Assam Association Singapore and lost consciousness while swimming. He was declared dead from drowning at Singapore General Hospital, with post-mortem examinations revealing high alcohol levels in his body.
Prosecution's Allegations Against Mahanta
The Assam Police chargesheet accuses Amritprava Mahanta of several critical failures:
- Causing excessive alcohol consumption by Garg
- Not informing his manager, organizers, or wife about his additional drinking and sleep deprivation
- Encouraging him to swim without a life jacket while intoxicated
The prosecution argued that Mahanta was "fully aware" of accommodation arrangements and the yacht ride, and that she conspired with other accused to keep Garg intoxicated.
Defense Arguments in Bail Petition
Mahanta's counsel presented several counterarguments in her bail application:
- She considered Zubeen Garg a "fatherly figure" and had performed with him across Assam
- She only learned about room sharing with Garr after arrival in Singapore
- She was not aware of the yacht trip until the previous day
- She attempted to help Garg after he drowned by trying to open his mouth
- The defense argued that "omission is not a criminal offence" and no overt act has been attributed to her
Other Accused in the Case
Four people total face murder charges in connection with Garg's death:
- Amritprava Mahanta (musician)
- Shyamkanu Mahanta (festival organizer)
- Siddharth Sharma (Garg's manager)
- Shekhar Jyoti Goswami (co-musician)
A fifth person, Garg's cousin Sandipan Garg, faces culpable homicide charges. Shyamkanu Mahanta and Sandipan Garg initially filed bail petitions but withdrew them on January 22, while Sharma and Goswami have not yet applied for bail.
Wife's Objections and Court's Reasoning
Garg's wife, Garima Saikia Garg, filed written objections against all bail applications, stating that the allegations are "serious and grave in nature" involving heinous offences affecting public order. She argued that releasing the accused on bail could affect the trial and investigation.
In rejecting bail for the two PSOs, the court stated they appeared to have "conspired with the prime accused to misappropriate money belonging to the deceased" and that their offences have serious societal ramifications.
Ongoing Investigations
A coroner's inquiry continues in Singapore to establish the exact cause and circumstances of death. In the last hearing on January 14, Singapore police informed the court that Garg had consumed alcohol and refused a life vest before jumping off the yacht. Witnesses noted he was not subjected to duress or coercion before his death.
The case continues to unfold as legal proceedings advance in both India and Singapore, with the Guwahati court emphasizing the need for "effective dispensing of criminal justice" in this high-profile matter.
