Assam Govt to Transfer Rs 2.90 Crore GST from Zubeen Garg's Final Film to Kalaguru Foundation: CM Himanta

The Assam government will transfer Rs 2.90 crore—the state's share of GST collected from the blockbuster Assamese film Roi Roi Binale, the last movie featuring late singer Zubeen Garg—to the Kalaguru Foundation established by the singer himself, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday.

The film has achieved a historic milestone by grossing Rs 32 crore, setting a new record for the Assamese film industry. Speaking to the media during a New Year programme titled Natun Diner Alap (Conversations of a New Day), the Chief Minister confirmed that the GST proceeds would be handed over to the foundation.

In a related development, CM Sarma revealed that the state government will appoint a Special Public Prosecutor by January 12 to represent the case concerning Garg’s death. He stated that consultations with criminal law experts are currently underway, with the appointment likely to be finalised and announced by January 6.

Additionally, the government plans to approach the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court with a request to constitute a fast-track court to ensure speedy trial proceedings. “The final decision rests with the High Court, but we will make the formal request,” Sarma clarified.

Reflecting on the previous year, the Chief Minister described 2025 as a profoundly distressing period for the people of Assam, particularly due to Zubeen Garg’s untimely death and the subsequent events that left the state in shock.

Zubeen Garg had travelled to Singapore to participate in the North East India Festival, where he died under mysterious circumstances on September 19 while swimming in the sea.

The Assam Police conducted a thorough investigation and filed a charge sheet within three months. “Now we want justice to be delivered swiftly,” Sarma emphasised. The trial of the seven accused commenced last month at the Kamrup (Metro) District and Sessions Court.

The accused include North East India Festival chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg’s secretary Siddhartha Sharma, his cousin Sandipan Garg (a suspended Assam Police officer), and two of his personal security officers, who appeared in court from Baksa Jail. Musician Shekharjyoti Goswami and singer Amritprava Mahanta joined the proceedings online from Haflong Jail.

According to the charge sheet submitted before the Chief Judicial Magistrate on December 12, Mahanta, Sharma, Goswami, and Amritprava face charges of murder. Sandipan Garg has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while the two personal security officers have been accused of criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust involving the misappropriation of entrusted funds or property.

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