Guwahati, April 30, 2026: A special fast-track court in Guwahati on Thursday rejected the bail plea of Shyamkanu Mahanta, a prime accused in the death case of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, citing concerns that he could flee if released.
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| Shyamkanu Mahanta, prime accused in the Zubeen Garg death case, being escorted by officials after being brought to India from Singapore. |
The order was pronounced by Special Fast-Track Court Judge Sharmila Bhuyan after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defence. Prosecutors argued that Mahanta’s conduct following the incident raised serious concerns, noting that he had allegedly left Singapore for Malaysia after the singer’s death before being brought back following a lookout notice. The court considered this behaviour as a potential flight risk and rejected the bail application.
Mahanta, the chief organiser of the North East India Festival in Singapore, had filed the bail plea on April 10. The prosecution also alleged that he supplied alcohol to Garg despite knowing about the singer’s medical condition, and that the accused persons failed to ensure proper care and safety.
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The 52-year-old singer died on September 19 last year while swimming in Singapore, where he had travelled to attend the festival. His death sparked widespread public attention and led to an investigation by a Special Investigation Team of Assam Police’s CID, which later filed a charge sheet naming several accused in the case.
Meanwhile, the court is expected to continue proceedings in the case, with further hearings scheduled in the coming days as the trial moves toward the stage of framing charges.
