On December 22, all seven accused linked to the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg appeared virtually before the Kamrup (Metro) District and Sessions Court. The court formally began trial proceedings and fixed January 3, 2026, as the next date of hearing. The accused were examined through video conferencing, marking another crucial step in a case that has drawn wide public attention since the singer’s death abroad under mysterious circumstances.
Trial proceedings and next hearing
Accoring to PTI, after verifying the presence of all accused, the sessions court scheduled the next hearing to consider the framing of charges. Legal sources explained that on the next date, the court will ask the accused whether they wish to plead guilty or contest the charges and face a full trial. The court may summon them either physically or virtually for this process. The case reached the sessions court after the Chief Judicial Magistrate committed it for trial earlier this month, following the submission of the chargesheet by the Special Investigation Team. The prosecution has cited security and law-and-order concerns as the reason for continued virtual appearances.
Details of those facing the trial
Those facing trial include the North East India Festival’s (NEIF) chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, the singer’s secretary Siddhartha Sharma, cousin Sandipan Garg, and personal security officers (PSOs) Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya. They appeared online from Baksa Jail. Musician Shekharjyoti Goswami and singer Amritprava Mahanta joined the proceedings virtually from Haflong Jail. During the hearing, late Zubeen Garg’s sister Palmee Borthakur was present in court. Speaking later, she said the family continues to place complete trust in the judicial process.
Charges and investigation details
According to the The Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) findings, four accused have been booked on murder charges. The singer’s cousin, who is also a suspended Assam Police officer Sandipan Garg, faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The two security personnel have been charged with criminal conspiracy and breach of trust related to alleged misappropriation. Investigators have maintained that the charges are based on material evidence gathered during the probe. As the trial moves forward, the case is expected to see detailed arguments from both sides in the coming months.The first hearing took place on December 16 at the CIM court. The accused were present virtually during this hearing also. Advocate Dhrubajyoti Das was appointed by District Legal Services Authority to represent the accussed. Go to Source
