Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that the chargesheet filed in connection with the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg was aimed at maligning his reputation rather than ensuring justice.
In a strongly worded statement, Gogoi said the chief minister’s “sole intention” was to tarnish the public image of the late singer. Describing Zubeen Garg as “Assam’s Kanchanjunga,” the MP asserted that the state must not allow any attempt to damage the singer’s legacy. He further alleged that authorities could go to “any extent,” including allegedly pressuring or blackmailing Garg’s family and supporters, to achieve this objective.
The statement comes amid renewed controversy over the case after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) lodged a complaint against Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi for allegedly circulating “unverified” documents on social media, claiming them to be part of the chargesheet. A senior official said the circulation of such documents was illegal and could mislead the public.
According to sources, Akhil Gogoi had shared documents purportedly revealing details of the chargesheet filed against seven accused in the case. However, legal sources said the court has not yet issued certified copies of the chargesheet to applicants, though copies have been provided to the accused and their relatives.
SIT investigating officer Rosie Kalita filed the complaint with the Crime Branch, which is now examining the matter before deciding on further action. Responding to the development, Akhil Gogoi said he was aware of the case filed against him and would travel to Guwahati to face it despite being unwell.
A nine-member SIT led by Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta submitted the chargesheet before the Kamrup (Metro) Chief Judicial Magistrate on December 12. The SIT has named singer’s secretary Siddhartha Sharma, festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, and band members Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta as accused in a murder case.
Mahanta was the chief organiser of the North East India Festival held in Singapore, which Zubeen Garg attended shortly before his death under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea on September 19. Garg’s cousin, suspended Assam Police officer Sandipan Garg, has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Two personal security officers assigned to the singer—Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya—have been charged with criminal conspiracy and breach of trust involving alleged misappropriation of funds or property.
Apart from murder charges, Mahanta also faces allegations of criminal conspiracy, extortion, cheating and destruction of evidence. Siddhartha Sharma has been charged with murder, conspiracy and criminal breach of trust, while Goswami faces an additional charge of breach of trust. Amritprava Mahanta has been accused of destroying evidence.
All seven accused are currently in judicial custody. Five are lodged in Baksa jail, while Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta are detained at Haflong jail.
