Zubeen Garg Death Case: Gauhati HC Grants Bail to Suspended DSP
Gauhati High Court grants bail to suspended DSP Sandipon Garg in the investigation into singer Zubeen Garg's death.
The Gauhati High Court has granted bail to suspended Assam Police Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sandipon Garg, who had been arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the high-profile Zubeen Garg death case.
A single bench presided over by Justice Rajesh Mazumdar approved the bail petition filed by Sandipon Garg, who is also a cousin of the late singer. Speaking to ANI, Special Public Prosecutor Ziaul Kamar confirmed the court's decision, noting that the full written order had not yet been read out.
A Series of Legal Developments
The granting of bail to the suspended DSP follows another significant development in the case. On October 9, the Gauhati High Court granted bail to Amritprava Mahanta, a co-singer of Zubeen Garg. Mahanta was the first alleged accused in the investigation to secure bail, which was granted on a bond of Rs 50,000.
Mahanta had been arrested by the SIT in 2025 after undergoing several hours of intense questioning regarding the circumstances surrounding the singer's demise.
The Tragic Incident in Singapore
The case stems from the sudden death of the beloved singer, who passed away on September 19, 2025, in Singapore. The tragedy occurred during a scuba diving accident, just one day before he was scheduled to perform at the Northeast India Festival.
The incident sparked a massive investigation, leading to the arrest of multiple individuals, including Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organizer of the Northeast India Festival since 2013.
Supreme Court Intervention and Conspiracy Claims
The legal battle has reached the highest levels of the Indian judiciary. In August, the Supreme Court of India directed the Assam government to ensure a diligent and fast-tracked trial against the festival organizer, Shyamkanu Mahanta.
A bench consisting of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan was informed by the State that the trial is proceeding on a daily basis, with key witnesses expected to testify in the coming weeks. Justice Nagarathna noted that the court was exerting pressure on the State to ensure the trial progressed without delay.
Conflicting Arguments in Court
The case has seen a sharp divide between the defense and the prosecution:
- The Defense: Senior advocate Siddharth Dave, representing Mahanta, argued that Zubeen Garg was an adult who acted voluntarily. He stated that the singer had boarded a boat and entered the sea wearing a life jacket before drowning. Dave further contested allegations of conspiracy, arguing that Mahanta was not present during the incident and could not be held responsible for the singer's decision to consume alcohol.
- The Prosecution: The State has firmly maintained that the death was not a mere accident. Prosecutors claim to possess material evidence suggesting a conspiracy was involved in the singer's death.