Will the SIT File a 3500-Page Charge Sheet in the Zubeen Garg Case?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
In Guwahati, on December 5, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is investigating the demise of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, is set to present its charge sheet between December 6 and December 12. This timeline is significantly ahead of the court-mandated deadline of December 18.
Sarma emphasized that submitting the charge sheet on time is essential, as any delays could allow the accused to apply for bail.
During a press conference, the Chief Minister confirmed that the investigation is complete, with the SIT compiling approximately 3,500 pages of evidence.
A meeting with the Advocate General was convened to finalize subsequent actions. Sarma stated, “The charge sheet will be submitted within the designated timeframe,” adding that the state intends to request a fast-track court from the Gauhati High Court to accelerate trial proceedings.
The SIT, led by Special DGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta, has been diligently investigating since Garg's death in Singapore on September 19.
According to reports, investigating officer Rosie Kalita and her nine-member team worked late into the night over the past week to gather evidence, witness statements, and forensic records.
Sarma reiterated that the investigation is treating this case as a murder, which contrasts with the Singapore Police's initial findings that found no signs of foul play.
The charge sheet will encompass statements from nearly 300 individuals, including complainants and Garg's wife, Garima. It will also include partial reports from Singapore authorities, medical professionals, findings from local forensic experts, and testimonies from individuals present at the North East India Festival, where the singer was scheduled to perform before his untimely death during a sea outing.
Currently, seven individuals are in judicial custody, including festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, manager Siddharth Sharma, Assam Police DSP and cousin Sandipan Garg, drummer Shekharjyoti Goswami, co-singer Amrit Prabha Mahanta, and PSOs Paresh Baishya and Nandeswar Borah.
Investigators are also looking into alleged financial discrepancies, including transactions exceeding Rs 1.1 crore linked to the PSOs.
With public emotions running high regarding the loss of the 52-year-old cultural icon, the state government asserts that the SIT will proceed strictly based on evidence, ensuring the chargesheet can withstand judicial examination.