Assam govt to approach HC for fast-track court in Zubeen Garg death case

Guwahati: The Assam government plans to approach the Gauhati High Court to set up a fast-track court for the Zubeen Garg death case, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday, after a detailed chargesheet was filed against several accused.

Sarma added that the state would request the chief justice to establish a fast-track court and appoint a special public prosecutor once the case is transferred to the sessions court, noting that these steps must be carefully followed.

The chargesheet, submitted in the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, runs to around 12,000 pages.

Multiple individuals have been charged with murder under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, while one person faces charges of culpable homicide. Two personal security officers are also facing separate charges.

The chief minister stated that the investigation was thorough, pointing out that although some documents were obtained from Singapore, most of the prosecution’s case relies on evidence collected within Assam.

He added that even if the court rules that Singapore documents are inadmissible, the chargesheet is based on sufficient evidence gathered in Assam itself.

Sarma expressed trust in the judicial process, stating that the government has full respect for the judiciary and recognises their independence, impartiality, and the way they ensure justice for victims.

The government now awaits the court’s next steps.

The case will first be heard in the sessions court for committal before the government files its applications for a fast-track court and the appointment of a special public prosecutor.