Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court on Monday heard the bail plea of Shyamkanu Mahanta, an accused in the widely discussed Zubeen Garg death case. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its order and said the verdict will be delivered on May 29.
The hearing took place before the bench of Justice Mitali Thakuria.
Representing the government, Advocate General Devajit Saikia placed various documents, evidence and investigation materials before the court. The prosecution argued that Shyamkanu Mahanta should not be granted bail at this stage of the case.
The government side described the case as a “pre-planned murder” and said each accused person had a separate role in the incident. The prosecution also referred to the chargesheet and evidence collected during the investigation.
During the hearing, the prosecution raised the issue of “flight risk”. The government counsel told the court that Mahanta had travelled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, soon after the incident, which indicated a possibility of absconding.
The prosecution also alleged that Mahanta had mentally pressured Zubeen Garg on several occasions. It was claimed in court that threats of suicide were used if certain programmes were not attended, calling it a “pressure tactic”.
The court also discussed statements made by Mahanta’s niece, Srijani Mahanta. The prosecution claimed that she had accused the accused of treating Zubeen Garg like a “commodity”.
The defence, however, opposed the prosecution’s argument on flight risk. The defence counsel told the court that Mahanta’s Aadhaar card, PAN card and passport had already been seized, and therefore there was no possibility of him leaving the country.
Earlier, a special fast-track court had rejected Mahanta’s bail plea, citing the possibility of him absconding. Challenging that order, Mahanta moved the Gauhati High Court.
The case continues to draw major public attention across Assam, with all eyes now on the High Court’s decision on May 29.
