Lawyers’ Body to Reconsider Stand on Representing Accused in Zubeen Garg Case

The All Assam Lawyers’ Association has decided to reconsider its earlier decision of not representing the accused linked to the alleged murder of renowned artist Zubeen Garg. 

The development follows an application submitted by Anita Deka Mahanta, wife of accused Shyamkanu Mahanta, requesting the legal fraternity to review its stance.

Speaking to DY365, the association’s General Secretary Deepak Das said the initial decision to refrain from representing the accused was taken in view of social responsibility rather than professional considerations. However, he confirmed that the association is now prepared to hold fresh discussions with senior advocates after receiving the formal appeal.

Das stated that Anita Deka Mahanta, in her application, has urged the lawyers’ body to reconsider the decision not to take up the case on behalf of her husband. She has reportedly highlighted Shyamkanu Mahanta’s contributions to social life in Assam while making the request. The General Secretary clarified that discussions will be held with senior members of the bar to decide whether the earlier resolution will continue or be revised. Until such discussions are concluded, the association’s previous decision will remain in force.

Meanwhile, the legal proceedings in the alleged murder case of Zubeen Garg have moved forward with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) filing a chargesheet before the court on Friday. With the submission of the chargesheet, the matter has now formally entered the trial phase and awaits judicial examination.

According to the prosecution, the chargesheet is extensive and has been filed after a detailed investigation. The document reportedly runs into approximately 2,500 pages, accompanied by over 12,000 pages of additional digital and documentary evidence, and has been submitted against seven accused persons under four legal grounds.

Officials stated that the chargesheet is supported by multiple forms of evidence, including oral testimonies, digital evidence, medical reports, and financial documents. Digital evidence includes data recovered from mobile phones and laptops, along with CCTV footage and WhatsApp communications.

Legal experts point out that for a charge of murder to be sustained, the prosecution must establish a clear motive. Senior advocate of the Gauhati High Court, Anand Kumar Bhuyan, noted that motive plays a crucial role in proving allegations of homicide in court.

Sources familiar with the investigation said the SIT has placed significant emphasis on an alleged criminal conspiracy. Investigators claim that a sequence of deliberate acts was carried out to present the incident as an accidental death. These allegations include claims that Zubeen Garg was allowed to enter deep water, was deprived of adequate rest, made to consume alcohol, and permitted to re-enter the water even after becoming physically exhausted, without any effort to restrain him.

Police have cited financial disputes as the alleged motive behind the crime. To substantiate this claim, statements were recorded from members of various Bihu committees across Assam during the investigation.

After filing the chargesheet, the prosecution has asserted that sufficient material evidence exists to establish the guilt of the accused. However, legal observers note that the filing of a chargesheet marks only the beginning of the judicial process, and the burden now lies on the prosecution to prove the allegations during the trial.

The court is expected to take up the matter in the coming days as legal proceedings continue.

Also Read: From Drowning to Murder: How the Court Will Test the Case for Justice for Zubeen Garg