The trial in the death of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg commenced on Monday after all seven accused appeared virtually before the Kamrup (Metro) District and Sessions Court here.
After examining the accused through video conferencing, the court fixed January 3, 2026, as the next date of hearing, when it will consider the framing of charges, a senior lawyer said.
On the next date, the court will ask the accused whether they plead guilty or wish to contest the charges, he added.
Garg had travelled to Singapore to attend the North East India Festival (NEIF), where he died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea on September 19.
The accused, NEIF chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, the singer’s secretary Siddhartha Sharma, his cousin Sandipan Garg, and personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya, appeared virtually from Baksa Jail. Musician Shekharjyoti Goswami and singer Amritprava Mahanta joined the proceedings online from Haflong Jail.
Also read: Singapore police rule out foul play so far in Zubeen Garg death
Garg’s sister Palmee Borthakur was present in court and later said the family had full faith in the judicial process.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has charged Mahanta, Sharma, Goswami and Amritprava with murder in the chargesheet filed before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) on December 12. Sandipan Garg, a suspended Assam Police officer, has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while the two PSOs face charges of criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust.
The CJM had committed the case to the sessions court on December 16 after the submission of the chargesheet.
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