On Thursday, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of using the chargesheet related to popular singer Zubeen Garg’s death to undermine the singer’s reputation instead of pursuing justice. Gogoi characterized the chief minister’s actions as intended to tarnish Garg’s public image, whom he referred to as “Assam’s Kanchanjunga.” He warned against any efforts to damage the singer’s legacy, suggesting that authorities might go to extreme lengths, including pressuring Garg’s family and supporters.
The controversy surrounding the case has intensified following a complaint lodged by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) against Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi. The complaint alleges that he disseminated unverified documents on social media, claiming they were part of the chargesheet, which a senior official labeled illegal due to its potential to mislead the public. Akhil Gogoi had shared these documents supposedly detailing the charges against seven individuals implicated in the case, without certified copies being issued by the court at that time.
SIT investigating officer Rosie Kalita has since filed the complaint with the Crime Branch, which is now determining the next steps. Akhil Gogoi acknowledged the case against him and expressed his intent to travel to Guwahati for further proceedings despite his poor health. The chargesheet in question, submitted by a nine-member SIT led by Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta on December 12, names several individuals as accused, including Zubeen Garg’s secretary Siddhartha Sharma, festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, and band members Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta. Mahanta, who organized the North East India Festival in Singapore that Zubeen Garg attended shortly before his mysterious death on September 19 while swimming, is charged with murder, among other offenses.
Additionally, Garg’s cousin, suspended Assam Police officer Sandipan Garg, faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while two personal security officers assigned to the singer are charged with conspiracy and breach of trust related to misappropriation of funds. Apart from murder, Mahanta is accused of conspiracy, extortion, cheating, and evidence destruction. Sharma is charged with several crimes, including murder and criminal breach of trust, while Goswami faces additional charges of breach of trust, and Mahanta is accused of destroying evidence. All seven accused are currently in judicial custody, with five held in Baksa jail, and Goswami and Mahanta detained in Haflong jail.