Guwahati, Oct 17: A public meeting at Zubeen Kshetra has decided to press the Assam government to file an additional chargesheet in the case related to the death of cultural icon Zubeen Garg, incorporating fresh evidence and statements to establish the circumstances surrounding the artiste’s death.
The meeting, led by Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, also announced the formation of a 21-member convening committee to coordinate the legal fight and mobilise public support for justice.
The committee outlined three key demands: pressing the government to file an additional chargesheet without withdrawing the existing one, exploring legal remedies to challenge bail granted to accused persons, and opposing pending bail applications to prevent further releases.
Addressing the gathering, Gogoi said the committee would work to ensure that all aspects of the case were thoroughly investigated and presented before the court.
“We will urge the government to file an additional chargesheet without withdrawing the existing one. If necessary, further chargesheets should be filed, incorporating evidence, statements and details about the place of occurrence to establish what happened to Zubeen Garg. We will put pressure on the government to take the necessary steps,” Gogoi said.
He said the committee’s primary objective is to secure justice for the artiste and ensure accountability through legal means.
The proposed committee will examine the bail orders granted to accused persons and oppose applications by those still seeking relief from the courts.
It will also explore legal avenues to challenge existing bail orders and may coordinate with a team of advocates to represent civil society’s interests in the proceedings.
“We will approach the government to take steps to challenge the bail granted to those who have been released. We will also oppose the bail applications of those who are still seeking relief from the courts. If required, we will submit memorandums to the government and organise peaceful protests,” Gogoi said.
The meeting’s decisions come amid recent developments in the high-profile case, with courts granting bail to some of the accused.
On October 16, the Gauhati High Court granted bail to suspended Assam Police Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandipan Garg, an accused in the case, observing that there was limited scope for him to tamper with the evidence.
Earlier, on October 9, the High Court granted bail to another accused, Amritprava Mahanta, following hearings on arguments presented by both sides.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on October 5 deferred further hearing on the bail plea of Shyamkanu Mahanta, another accused in the case, until November 4.
The convening committee is expected to pursue the demands through legal representations and public mobilisation as the proceedings continue.