SIT files chargesheet in Zubeen Garg death case, seven named in probe

Assam’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Friday submitted a comprehensive chargesheet in the case of singer Zubeen Garg’s death at the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Guwahati. The 3,500-page document , brought in four trunks by the nine-member SIT team, provides a detailed account of the investigation, including timelines, witness statements, forensic reports, and communications, forming the complete investigative record for the trial.

Zubeen Garg, a celebrated singer and cultural icon , had tragically died on September 19 in Singapore while swimming in the sea during the North East India Festival . His sudden death had sparked widespread grief and questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The SIT, formed by the Assam government and led by Special DGP M P Gupta , conducted an extensive investigation, examining over 300 witnesses . During the probe, seven individuals were arrested in connection with the case.

According to the chargesheet, four people, Shyamkanu Mahanta (chief organiser of the North East India Festival, Singapore), Siddharth Sharma (Zubeen Garg’s personal manager), Amritprabha Mahanta (singer and co-performer), and Shekhar Jyoti Goswami (musician and bandmate) , have been charged with murder . Sandipan Garg (Deputy Superintendent of Police and cousin of Zubeen Garg) has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder , indicating alleged serious involvement without intent to kill. Two others, Paresh Baishya (personal security officer) and Nandeswar Bora (personal security officer) , face charges of criminal breach of trust , reflecting alleged mismanagement or misconduct during the fatal trip.

The chargesheet, while extensive, confirms that Garg’s death was not accidental and outlines the roles and responsibilities of the accused , making it a pivotal document for the upcoming trial. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier described Garg’s death as a “plain and simple murder,” underscoring the gravity of the case.

The submission of the chargesheet now sets the stage for a trial that will determine accountability in one of the region’s most high-profile and tragic deaths.