Guwahati, 05 December (HS): The Special Investigation Team probing the death of renowned singer Zubeen Garg has accelerated the charge sheet preparation following Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s directive. The SIT has been tasked with submitting the charge sheet between December 6 and 12, well ahead of the court-mandated deadline of December 18.
According to SIT officials, the team is working round the clock to compile the voluminous document. Investigating Officer Rosy Kalita remained at the CID headquarters until 3 AM, coordinating with the nine-member team to consolidate evidence and witness statements. The SIT has already prepared nearly 3,500 pages, reviewed in the presence of the Advocate General.
Significantly, the SIT is treating the incident not merely as an accidental drowning but as a potential homicide, examining angles of conspiracy and negligence. Garg’s death on September 19 during the North East India Festival in Singapore had triggered widespread unrest in Assam, leading to the filing of over 60 FIRs across the state.
The charge sheet will name seven accused currently in judicial custody—festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, manager Siddharth Sharma, cousin and DSP Sandipan Garg, drummer Shekharjyoti Goswami, co-singer Amrit Prabha Mahanta, and security personnel Paresh Baisya and Nandeshwar Bora.
Over 300 witness statements, including those of complainants and Garg’s wife Garima Garg, are being incorporated. Reports from Singapore Police, medical officers, Assam doctors, and forensic experts will also be annexed. While the Singapore Police found no suspicious circumstances, Indian agencies have identified several points warranting deeper scrutiny.
The probe has additionally uncovered signs of financial irregularities, including transactions exceeding ₹1.1 crore in the accounts of the singer’s PSO, prompting a parallel financial investigation.
Following approval from the Union Home Ministry under Section 208 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in November, the legal process has gained momentum. Chief Minister Sarma has stated that he will request the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court to set up a fast-track court for a speedy trial.
Zubeen Garg, considered a cultural icon in Assam, continues to evoke deep public sentiment. The SIT is now in the final stages of completing the charge sheet.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
