Guwahati, 06 November (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday raised concerns over the coverage of the Zubeen Garg death case by certain sections of the media, questioning reports speculating about the possibility of bail for the accused and highlighting discrepancies between witnesses' television interviews and their statements before the court.

Addressing a press conference, Sarma expressed concern over the media narrative surrounding the high-profile case. He questioned how reports suggesting that the accused could secure bail were being circulated when the Supreme Court had not yet delivered any decision on the bail petitions pending before it.

The Chief Minister also referred to the bail granted to Amritprabha Mahanta by the Gauhati High Court through an order passed by Justice Pranjal Das. He stressed that evidence presented during judicial proceedings must be examined carefully and in its entirety.

Pointing to inconsistencies in witness accounts, Sarma said there were apparent differences between statements made by certain witnesses during media interviews and those subsequently recorded before the court. He maintained that public statements and testimonies given during judicial proceedings should be assessed separately.

Referring to the large number of witnesses in the case, the Chief Minister said several of them were yet to depose before the court. He emphasised that witnesses must be allowed to testify freely, without any pressure or influence, adding that the state government could not exert pressure on them.

Sarma also underlined the need for media organisations to remain sensitive to Assam's emotions and values while reporting on the death of the popular singer.

He further referred to a witness whose remarks about Zubeen Garg's participation in a protest had attracted considerable media attention. The Chief Minister questioned the manner in which such statements were being presented and interpreted in public discourse.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has deferred proceedings relating to bail in the case until November 30. The matters include the bail petitions filed by Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddhartha Sharma, besides the Assam government's challenges to the bail granted to Amritprabha Mahanta and Sandipan Garg by the Gauhati High Court.

The trial is currently underway before a fast-track court, with the examination of witnesses forming a crucial part of the judicial proceedings. ----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash