Chargesheet in Zubeen Garg's death case to be filed in court on December 12: SIT chief

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the death of iconic Assamese singer Zubeen Garg is set to file its chargesheet in court on December 12, marking a crucial milestone in one of the state’s most closely watched investigations. SIT chief and Special DGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta confirmed that the probe has reached its final stage.

According to officials, the extensive investigation—launched after Garg’s death in Singapore on September 19—has examined over 300 witnesses. Once the chargesheet is filed, the entire case record will become public. Authorities, however, declined to comment on the nature of the findings, citing legal constraints.

Officials clarified that the financial fraud allegations involving festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta are part of an entirely separate investigation, which remains ongoing and unrelated to the death case.

Investigators have been working round the clock to complete the document ahead of the December 18 court-imposed deadline. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the SIT has already compiled close to 3,500 pages of evidence and testimonies. He said the chargesheet must be filed within the specified timeframe, as any delay beyond December 18 could enable the accused to seek bail.

The Chief Minister also revealed that a high-level meeting with the Advocate General was held to finalise procedural requirements. He directed the SIT to submit the chargesheet between December 6 and December 12.

The investigation is treating Garg’s death as a case of murder, not accidental drowning. The SIT is probing whether criminal conspiracy, negligence, or both played a role in the 52-year-old singer’s demise during his visit to Singapore for the North East India Festival—an incident that sent shockwaves across Assam and prompted over 60 FIRs statewide.

The chargesheet will outline detailed allegations against seven individuals currently behind bars. Those arrested include:

Shyamkanu Mahanta, festival organiser

Siddharth Sharma, Zubeen Garg’s manager

Sandipan Garg, cousin of the singer and Assam Police DSP

Shekharjyoti Goswami, drummer

Amrit Prabha Mahanta, co-singer

Paresh Baishya, personal security officer

Nandeswar Borah, personal security officer