Assam to Challenge Bail for Two Accused in Zubeen Garg Death Case

The Assam government will challenge in the Supreme Court the bail granted by the Gauhati High Court to two of the seven accused in the case over the death of singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore, state CID chief Munna Prasad Gupta said on Sunday. A special leave petition will be filed as soon as the Supreme Court reopens after its current holidays, PTI and Northeast Now reported.

Who Got Bail

The High Court granted bail to Amritprabha Mahanta, a member of Zubeen Garg’s band, on October 9, and to suspended DSP Sandipon Garg, the singer’s cousin, on October 16, reports said. The government said lower courts had rejected their bail pleas before the High Court granted them. The state’s Advocate General said some observations in the bail orders could create problems at trial, and the government will seek to have those remarks removed and the bail quashed.

Lawyer Ratul Bora, who filed the first police complaint in the case, said he would also approach the Supreme Court, arguing that bail was granted because of “loopholes” in the chargesheet filed by the state police, Deccan Herald reported. Sandipon Garg’s counsel said the High Court was separately hearing a petition to quash the chargesheet against him.

Why the Case Matters in Assam

Zubeen Garg was one of Assam’s most popular singers, and his death in Singapore led to large public mourning and sustained demands for accountability across the state. The case has been closely watched, and how the courts handle bail for the accused will shape public confidence in the investigation.

The full bail orders have not yet been made public. Any Supreme Court hearing will take place only after the court reopens. More in IPB’s Daily Updates.

Based on reporting by PTI via ThePrint, Northeast Now, Deccan Herald and PTI via ThePrint (earlier).

Image: Wikimedia Commons.