Gauhati High Court rejects bail plea of festival organiser in Zubeen Garg Death Case

The Gauhati High Court has rejected the bail plea of festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, one of the prime accused in the high-profile Zubeen Garg death case.

Earlier, a fast track court had also dismissed Mahanta’s bail application in connection with the case, which has sparked widespread public attention and strong reactions across Assam.

According to sources, the High Court took note of the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing investigation while denying bail to the accused. Legal experts stated that the order reflects the court’s view that the probe is at a sensitive stage and releasing the accused could potentially affect the investigation.

Family members and supporters demanding justice welcomed the court’s decision, calling it an important step towards ensuring a fair investigation and trial.

The case pertains to the death of singer Zubeen Garg, who died on September 19 last year while swimming near Lazarus Island in Singapore, a day before he was scheduled to perform at an event organised under the NEIF banner.

A Special Investigation Team constituted by Assam Police’s Criminal Investigation Department later filed a chargesheet naming seven accused individuals, including Mahanta. Four of the accused have been booked on murder charges, intensifying the sensitivity of the case.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier described the case as a “plain and simple murder” during discussions in the state Assembly.

Meanwhile, Singapore Police had reportedly concluded that there was no evidence of foul play in Garg’s death. However, Assam authorities have maintained that the foreign investigation findings will not impact the ongoing legal proceedings in India.

The case continues to attract major public and political attention, with further hearings expected in the coming weeks.