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Supreme Court Defers Bail Plea of Shyamkanu Mahanta in Zubeen Garg Death Case

Trial Progress and Pending Witness Testimonies Prompt Delay

Family of Zubeen Garg Welcomes Court’s Decision, Expresses Faith in Justice

By Legal Reporter

New Delhi: October 06, 2026:

The Supreme Court has deferred the bail plea of Shyamkanu Mahanta, prime accused in the death case of Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg, to November 4, 2026. Mahanta will remain in custody at Baksa jail as the trial continues, with the court noting that several crucial witnesses, including NRIs from Singapore, are still being examined.

Case Background

• Incident: Zubeen Garg, beloved Assamese singer, died in Singapore in September 2025 under mysterious circumstances.
• Accused: Seven individuals, including Shyamkanu Mahanta, Siddharth Sharma, Shekharjyoti Goswami, and Amritprabha Mahanta, face charges.
• Charges: Murder, criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence, cheating, extortion, and breach of trust.
• Custody: Mahanta has been lodged in Baksa jail since October 2025.

Court Proceedings

• Bench: Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan.
• Reason for Deferral:
  • Trial is progressing in a fast-track court.
  • 122 prosecution witnesses examined so far, including nine NRIs.
  • Statements of key Singapore-based witnesses are still incomplete.
• Next Hearing: November 4, 2026.

Family Reactions

• Garima Saikia Garg (wife): “Truth will always prevail… my faith in the justice system has become stronger today.”
• Dr. Palmee Borthakur (sister): Thanked the Almighty, posting #JusticeForZubeenGarg on social media.

Broader Context

• Singapore Coroner’s Report (March 2026): Ruled death as accidental drowning, finding no evidence of murder.
• Assam Police Investigation: Filed murder charges against seven accused, citing conspiracy and negligence.
• Public Sentiment: Case remains highly sensitive in Assam, with widespread demand for justice.

FAQs

Q1: Why was bail deferred?

Because the trial is ongoing, with crucial witnesses yet to be examined, and the court wants proceedings to continue without delay.

Q2: How many witnesses have been examined so far?

122 prosecution witnesses, including nine NRIs, over 70–80 days.

Q3: What did Singapore authorities conclude?

They ruled Zubeen Garg’s death as accidental drowning, closing their investigation.

Q4: What charges do the accused face?

Murder, conspiracy, destruction of evidence, cheating, extortion, and breach of trust.

Q5: When will the Supreme Court hear the case again?

On November 4, 2026.