Assam’s Heartbeat Stopped on September 19—Tomorrow, Justice May Finally Begin

Assam is set for a pivotal moment in the high-profile death case of singer Zubeen Garg, as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is scheduled to submit its charge sheet in court tomorrow (December 12). 

The document, expected to outline the investigation’s findings and allegations, has drawn both public anticipation and criticism from political leaders.

Three months have passed since Zubeen Garg, popularly known as “Pran-er Silpi,” passed away under mysterious circumstances in Singapore on September 19. His untimely death left fans and the Assamese public in shock, sparking demands for a thorough and transparent investigation.

Calls for a Transparent and Politically Unbiased Charge Sheet

Senior Congress leader Ripun Bora has urged the police to ensure the charge sheet is submitted without political interference. “The police must file a charge sheet above all political interests,” Bora said. “No one involved in Zubeen Garg’s mysterious death should be allowed to escape justice. The people of Assam are watching closely and anxiously awaiting a comprehensive submission.”

Criticism from Akhil Gogoi

Sibsagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, meanwhile, has expressed skepticism about the charge sheet’s ability to deliver justice. Speaking to the media, he said:

“Tomorrow, the eyes of the entire state will be on Zubeen Garg’s charge sheet. We all hope for a fair investigation. However, I fear this charge sheet will not provide justice.”

Gogoi pointed out that while the charge sheet reportedly details the alleged motive behind Zubeen’s death—as suggested by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma—it does not identify the perpetrators or the method of the crime.

“Simply stating the motive, whether for money or other reasons, is not enough. Filing a charge sheet without naming the culprits or explaining how the crime was carried out leaves the investigation incomplete,” he added.

Protests and Public Sentiment

Public unrest remains high across Assam. At Dighalipukhuri in Guwahati, the Asomiya Yuba Mancha staged a protest demanding strict action against anyone named in the SIT report. The organisation warned that any protection for accused individuals could trigger a large-scale statewide movement.

Investigation Details

The SIT, formed by the Assam Police following Zubeen Garg’s death, has interrogated over 300 individuals, resulting in a detailed report exceeding 3,500 pages. The upcoming charge sheet is expected to outline the evidence against the accused and set the stage for the trial.

Currently, seven individuals are in judicial custody: organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, manager Siddharth Sharma, singer Amritprabha Mahanta, musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, cousin Sandipan Garg (DSP), and PSOs Paresh Baishya and Nandeshwar Bora.

Public prosecutor Bijan Mahajan clarified procedural aspects of accessing the charge sheet:

“I will not comment on the identities of those mentioned or any other information the charge sheet may contain. Only the SIT officials can comment on this if they wish, with due respect to the fourth pillar of democracy.

As for who can obtain certified copies of the charge sheet, under the Gauhati High Court’s Criminal Rules and Orders, any Indian citizen may apply to the court for a copy. But if a person with no connection to the criminal case applies without showing sufficient cause, the judicial authority will reject the application. If the applicant can show a valid reason, he or she may be granted the copy.

For those arrested in the case, if they seek bail after the charge sheet is filed, they may not get it, as the charge sheet will be submitted within the due legal timeframe. Therefore, they cannot claim default bail.”

Chief Minister’s Statement

Addressing the media ahead of the filing, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said:

“Tomorrow the SIT will produce the charge sheet before the court, which will then examine it in connection with Zubeen Garg’s death. I am confident the guilty will be punished according to the law. We must keep faith in the legal process. With the charge sheet submitted, the police’s role concludes, and the court will begin proceedings.”

Looking Ahead

December 12 marks a transition from the investigative phase to judicial scrutiny. Assam watches closely as the SIT charge sheet is expected to answer lingering questions: Was Zubeen Garg murdered or did negligence contribute to his death? Who orchestrated the crime, and who will be held accountable?

The filing of the SIT charge sheet represents a crucial step toward justice for the singer, whose work and persona remain deeply cherished across Assam.

Also Read: Zubeen Garg Death Mystery Deepens: Is Assam Getting the Full Story? All Eyes on the Dec 12 Chargesheet