News Snacks

Assam CID to Move Supreme Court Against Bail in Zubeen Garg Murder Case

Bandmate Amritprabha Mahanta and cousin Sandipan Garg granted bail by Gauhati High Court.

Public outrage and student union pressure push CID to escalate case to apex court.

By Legal Reporter

New Delhi: October 19, 2026

Assam CID has announced it will challenge the Gauhati High Court’s bail orders for singer Zubeen Garg’s bandmate Amritprabha Mahanta and cousin Sandipan Garg in the Supreme Court, amid widespread public anger and demands for justice. The case continues to stir controversy as fans, student unions, and political leaders question the handling of the investigation.

Background of the Case

• Victim: Zubeen Garg, iconic Assamese singer and cultural figure.
• Incident: Died on September 19, 2025, while attending a yacht party in Singapore during the Northeast India Festival.
• Initial Findings: Singapore coroner ruled death as drowning with no foul play.
• Political Stand: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma insisted it was a “plain and simple murder case.”

Bail Controversy

• Accused Granted Bail:
  • Amritprabha Mahanta (bandmate) – bail granted on October 9, 2026.
  • Sandipan Garg (cousin, suspended DSP) – bail granted on October 17, 2026.
• Earlier Bail: Two of Garg’s personal security officers (PSOs) also received bail.
• Remaining Accused in Custody:
  • Shyamkanu Mahanta (event organizer)
  • Siddharth Sharma (manager)
  • Shekhar Jyoti Goswami (drummer)

Public Reaction

• All Assam Students’ Union (AASU): Demanded the state government challenge bail orders in the Supreme Court.
• Fans: Lakhs of supporters staged protests, demanding exemplary punishment for those allegedly involved.
• Legal Experts: Assam Advocate General Devajit Saikia cited loopholes in bail orders as grounds for appeal.

Legal Proceedings

• Trial: Ongoing in a fast-track court in Assam.
• CID’s Decision: Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta confirmed CID will challenge bail in Supreme Court.
• Key Issue: Contradiction between Singapore’s coroner ruling (accidental drowning) and Assam CM’s claim of murder.

Implications

• For Judiciary: Raises questions about consistency in bail decisions and judicial oversight.
• For Assam Government: Pressure to uphold CM’s strong statements about murder.
• For Public Sentiment: Case has become symbolic of justice for cultural icons and accountability in high-profile deaths.

FAQs

Q1: Why is Assam CID challenging the bail?

Because they believe the Gauhati High Court orders had loopholes and public sentiment demands stricter scrutiny.

Q2: Who are the accused in the case?

Bandmate Amritprabha Mahanta, cousin Sandipan Garg, manager Siddharth Sharma, drummer Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, and event organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta.

Q3: What did the Singapore coroner conclude?

That Zubeen Garg’s death was due to drowning, with no foul play established.

Q4: What is the Assam CM’s stance?

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma insists it was murder, contradicting Singapore’s findings.

Q5: What happens next?

The CID will file an appeal in the Supreme Court, while the fast-track trial continues in Assam.