Gaurav Gogoi questions ‘weak’ chargesheet in Zubeen Garg death case after two accused get bail

Assam Congress president and MP Gaurav Gogoi on Friday accused the BJP-led state government and chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of failing to deliver justice in the Zubeen Garg death case, questioning the strength of the chargesheet after two accused secured bail this month.

Paying homage at Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur, Gogoi recalled that Sarma had told the Assam Assembly on November 25, 2025, that the singer-composer’s death was a “plain and simple murder”. He alleged that despite the chief minister’s claims of premeditated murder, the special investigation team (SIT) had filed a “weak” chargesheet, enabling the accused to secure “bail one after another”.

Amritprava Mahanta, charged with murder, and suspended police officer Sandipan Garg, charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, were granted bail by Gauhati High Court on October 9 and 16, respectively. Both had spent over a year in jail.

Gogoi alleged that the government had failed to appeal against the bail orders in the Supreme Court. SIT chief Munna Prasad Gupta has said the state police would challenge the orders after the court reopens following the ongoing holidays.

Taking aim at Advocate-General Devajit Lon Saikia, who is also BCCI secretary, Gogoi questioned why he had not led the prosecution from the beginning. He alleged that the state machinery had shown reluctance in pursuing justice since Saikia assumed responsibilities at the cricket board.

Gogoi also criticised the government for failing to complete Zubeen Kshetra a year after the singer’s death, contrasting the delay with the swift construction of flyovers.

He said the Congress stood with Zubeen’s family and admirers and demanded accountability, justice and strict punishment for those responsible.

Zubeen died while swimming in Singapore on September 19, 2025, triggering widespread grief and demands for justice.