Zubeen Garg Death Probe : PIL in Gauhati High Court seeks judicial probe into Zubeen Garg’s death

A

Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

was filed in the

Gauhati High Court

on Tuesday seeking an

impartial and court-monitored investigation

into the mysterious death of renowned Assamese singer

Zubeen Garg

, whose demise in Singapore last month has sparked widespread public concern. The petition, filed by

Abhijit Sharma

and

Palash Ranjan Baruah

, alleged

serious irregularities, potential criminal conspiracy, and misuse of official power

surrounding the circumstances of Garg’s death. It urged the High Court to ensure that the ongoing investigation remains transparent, independent, and insulated from political or administrative influence. A key concern raised in the PIL relates to the alleged involvement of

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sandipan Garg

, who attended the

North East India Festival

in Singapore, where Zubeen was scheduled to perform. The petition questioned whether the officer had

formal approval or administrative sanction

to participate in an event that was

primarily cultural and commercial in nature

, falling outside the scope of his official duties. The petitioners argued that such participation could amount to a

conflict of interest

, calling for an independent inquiry to determine whether any

official position was misused

in connection with the event or its organisation. The PIL also raised concerns about

Shyamkanu Mahanta

, the festival’s chief organiser and a figure with considerable political and bureaucratic influence in Assam. Mahanta is the younger brother of former Director General of Police

Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta

and the current

State Chief Information Commissioner

. The petitioners expressed apprehension that Mahanta’s connections could

compromise the neutrality of the ongoing probe

, urging the court to ensure judicial oversight to prevent any interference. Meanwhile, Chief Minister

Himanta Biswa Sarma

on Monday confirmed that the

Enforcement Directorate (ED)

and

Income Tax (IT) Department

will soon begin investigating alleged financial irregularities linked to Mahanta. “The state government is in touch with both central agencies to ensure a professional and transparent investigation,” the Chief Minister said. “I am confident that the ED and IT Department will look into the financial discrepancies connected to Shyamkanu Mahanta. We are working closely with them to make sure that no one involved in Zubeen Garg’s death can evade responsibility,” Sarma added. The Chief Minister also remarked that Mahanta was known for cultivating influential networks, noting that “his primary job seemed to be taking photographs with various people.” Sarma said authorities have access to records of Mahanta’s travels, including a Bangkok trip, though he clarified that “those details are unrelated to this case.” Zubeen Garg, one of Assam’s most celebrated cultural icons, died in Singapore on

September 19

after what was initially reported as an accidental drowning. However, subsequent allegations of

poisoning and conspiracy

have led to a widening investigation involving multiple arrests, including that of Mahanta and other close associates of the late singer. The High Court is expected to hear the PIL in the coming days, as public demand grows for

accountability, transparency, and justice

in a case that has deeply shaken Assam’s artistic and cultural community.