Guwahati, Jan 30: In a significant development in the high-profile murder case of Assam’s cultural icon Zubeen Garg, the Court of the District and Sessions Judge, Kamrup (Metro), on Thursday rejected the bail pleas of all accused persons, citing the gravity of the offence and the ongoing investigation.
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| Zubeen Garg (File Photo) |
The court dismissed bail applications filed by singer Amritprabha Mahanta, a co-performer of the late artiste, and two Personal Security Officers (PSOs) linked to the case. Opposing bail, the prosecution informed the court that Mahanta was allegedly part of a larger conspiracy to murder Zubeen Garg and that continued judicial custody was necessary at this stage of the probe being conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Assam government.
Meanwhile, the SIT moved the court seeking attachment of properties belonging to Garg’s former manager Siddharth Sharma. The plea sought seizure of the Mahavir Aqua water factory owned by Sharma and a flat at Orchid View Apartments in Fatasil Ambari. The court has fixed February 16 for hearing on the property seizure matter. The next general hearing in the murder case has been scheduled for February 13.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Zubeen Garg’s wife Garima Saikia Garg welcomed the rejection of bail and said none of the accused should be granted relief. “I am happy that the court has rejected their bail applications. No one involved in the murder case should ever be granted bail,” she said, expressing hope for a strict and fair trial.
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During the proceedings, the court also took note of detailed submissions related to the circumstances surrounding Garg’s death, which occurred during a yacht outing in Singapore. Earlier testimonies placed before the court, including inputs from Singapore Police and forensic experts, indicated that Garg had consumed alcohol prior to the incident and suffered from pre-existing medical conditions such as hypertension and epilepsy. However, investigators said there was no conclusive evidence to establish a medical episode or suicidal intent at the time of his death.
The SIT maintained that the investigation is still underway, with multiple aspects, including witness statements and forensic evidence, continuing to be examined. The court observed that, given the seriousness of the allegations and the complexity of the case, bail could not be granted at this stage.
The case continues to draw widespread public attention as legal proceedings progress in the death of one of Assam’s most beloved cultural figures.
