GUWAHATI, India– A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Gauhati High Court demanding an impartial and court-monitored investigation into the death of Assam’s celebrated singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, whose mysterious demise has sparked widespread public outrage and suspicion.
The petition, filed by Abhijit Sharma and Palash Ranjan Baruah, alleges serious irregularities, possible criminal conspiracy, and misuse of official authority surrounding the circumstances of Garg’s death. It calls for a transparent probe under judicial oversight to ensure the investigation remains free from political or administrative influence.
The filing comes amid intensifying public demand for clarity and accountability in the case, as questions mount over the roles of certain officials and event organizers connected to Garg’s final public appearance.
The petition raises concerns over the alleged involvement of Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandipan Garg in the North East India Festival, where Zubeen Garg was scheduled to perform. The event, primarily cultural and commercial in nature, does not fall under the purview of official police duties. Petitioners questioned whether the officer had formal approval or administrative sanction to attend, warning of a potential conflict of interest.
The PIL also calls for an independent inquiry into possible misuse of office and the role of Shyamkanu Mahanta, the chief organiser of the festival and a well-connected figure in Assam’s political and bureaucratic circles. Mahanta is the younger brother of former Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta and current State Chief Information Commissioner.
Petitioners expressed apprehension that Mahanta’s influence could compromise the investigation, urging the court to take note of potential interference. Meanwhile, Mahanta remains in police custody over alleged links to the singer’s death.
Adding to the growing scrutiny, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday announced that the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Department will soon investigate alleged financial irregularities tied to Mahanta and the North East India Festival.
“The ED and IT Department will look into the financial discrepancies connected to Shyamkanu Mahanta,” Sarma said. “We are working closely with central agencies to ensure that no one involved in Zubeen Garg’s death can evade responsibility.”
The Chief Minister added that Mahanta was known for leveraging his network of political and media connections. “Mahanta’s main occupation seemed to be taking photographs with various people. If the pictures on his phone were made public, they would show politicians, journalists, and others. But those photos have no bearing on this case,” Sarma said, adding that certain overseas trips linked to Mahanta were also being reviewed but remain unrelated to the death investigation.
The Gauhati High Court is expected to take up the PIL for hearing later this week as public pressure grows for a transparent, independent inquiry into the death of one of Assam’s most revered artists. (Source: IANS)
