Arguments over the role and responsibilities of Siddharth Sharma, one of the accused in the death case of late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, were heard on Tuesday before a special fast-track court in Guwahati as the court took up Sharma’s bail plea in the high-profile case. Siddharth Sharma, who previously worked as the singer’s manager, has been named as one of the main accused in the investigation linked to the singer’s death. During the hearing, Sharma’s lawyer argued that his role was limited to handling the professional engagements of the late singer and did not include responsibility for his personal safety or security arrangements. According to the defence counsel, Sharma was mainly responsible for coordinating stage shows, managing programmes and organising professional commitments related to the singer’s performances. The lawyer argued before the court that it would be incorrect to hold him personally responsible for security-related matters connected to the singer.
The defence further stated that the singer had allegedly drowned while attending a party in Singapore and claimed that Sharma had no direct role in matters concerning his protection or personal security during that period. However, the prosecution strongly opposed the arguments presented by the defence and criticised the stand taken by Sharma’s legal team during the proceedings. Public prosecutors argued against granting bail and maintained their opposition before the court. The hearing took place before a special fast-track court formed in Guwahati to conduct daily proceedings in the case, which has drawn significant public attention across Assam following the death of the popular singer.Advocate Pradipta Talukdar, who is representing Garima Saikia Garg in the matter, later told reporters outside the court that arguments related to Siddharth Sharma’s bail application had been completed. He said the court has reserved its order on the bail plea and is expected to deliver its decision on May 2.“Today, the hearing on Siddharth Sharma’s bail petition was completed. The court has reserved its order and the verdict will be delivered on May 2,” Talukdar said while speaking to the media after the hearing.
The court is also expected to continue hearings involving other accused persons linked to the case. According to legal representatives present during the proceedings, the court is scheduled to conclude charge hearings on May 2 for two other accused — Paresh Baishya and Nandeswar Bora — who reportedly served as personal security officers for the late singer. Proceedings involving the remaining accused persons in the case are expected to be taken up later. The hearing also drew reactions from people associated with the late singer, including former bandmate Partha Goswami, who once again demanded justice in the matter and called for greater recognition of the singer’s contribution to Assamese society and culture. Speaking to reporters after the court proceedings, Goswami said discussions during the hearing also touched upon issues related to the singer’s security arrangements and the responsibilities of individuals associated with him. He expressed hope that justice would eventually be delivered through the legal process.Goswami also said that the legacy and social contributions of Zubeen Garg should receive wider recognition, especially among younger generations. “The school curriculum should include lessons about Zubeen Garg and his contributions. People should know more about the work he did for society and Assamese culture,” he said.