Zubeen Garg death probe: Gauhati HC hears PIL, next hearing on March 13

Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court on Wednesday continued hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) demanding an independent investigation into the death of Assam’s cultural icon, Zubeen Garg.

The petitioners, Abhijit Sharma and Palash Ranjan Baruah, urged a CBI probe despite the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitting a detailed chargesheet.

The PIL questions the sufficiency of the SIT investigation and requests judicial oversight to ensure all aspects of the case are fully examined.

During the hearing, Advocate AM Choudhury, representing the petitioners, highlighted the chargesheet’s extensive volume and complexity.

Speaking to the media afterward, petitioner Sharma described the document as “long and huge” and said it needs a thorough review.

He added that a committee examining the chargesheet will submit a detailed report before the next hearing, scheduled for March 13.

Sharma reiterated that the demand for a CBI investigation remains unchanged.

He stressed monitoring the case to ensure no accused are granted bail or evade accountability through the SIT chargesheet.

The High Court had first taken up PIL No. 46/2025 on November 15, with the petitioners calling for a transparent and proper investigation into Garg’s death, which occurred in Singapore on September 19, raising public concern over the circumstances.

The PIL is being heard alongside the trial in the lower court. On December 16, seven accused were presented virtually before the Kamrup (Metro) Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court due to security concerns.

The court appointed a legal aid counsel after the Bar Association declined to represent them.

Copies of the chargesheet were provided to facilitate trial proceedings. Advocate Dhrubajyoti Das, appointed by the District Legal Services Authority, will represent the accused.

The next trial hearing is scheduled for December 22.