Guwahati: In a significant development in the high-profile case related to the death of renowned singer Zubeen Garg, the Gauhati High Court on Friday rejected the bail application of the main accused, Shyamkanu Mahanta.
Justice Mitali Thakuria observed that the case, described as involving the death of a “legendary artist,” has a deep social impact. Considering the seriousness of the allegations and the large number of witnesses involved, the court said that Mahanta’s eight-month detention could not be considered excessively long and ruled that granting bail at this stage would be inappropriate.
According to the investigating agency, Shyamkanu Mahanta was aware of Zubeen Garg’s health condition but allegedly continued to provide him with whisky. Investigators also alleged that co-accused Amritaprabha Mahanta was assigned to supply alcohol to the singer on a regular basis.
The agency further claimed that the organisers of the yacht party in Singapore, security personnel and members of Zubeen Garg’s management team were not informed about his medical condition. It was also alleged that no prior medical arrangements were made and that there was a delay of nearly 75 minutes in taking him to a hospital after the incident.
Mahanta had approached the Gauhati High Court after his earlier bail plea was rejected by a Fast Track Court.
Meanwhile, the bail application of another accused, Shekharjyoti Goswami, was also rejected by the Exclusive Fast Track Sessions Court in Kamrup (Metro). The court, presided over by Judge Sharmila Bhuyan, noted that digital and forensic evidence indicated a strong prima facie case against the accused.
According to the chargesheet, Goswami allegedly encouraged Zubeen Garg to enter the water and failed to help him when he was in distress. He is also accused of making a “thumbs up” gesture instead of assisting the singer. The court observed that several important witnesses are yet to testify and that granting bail at this stage could influence the investigation and witness statements.
Hearings on the bail applications of four other accused — Amritaprabha Mahanta, Sandeepan Garg, Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya — have already been completed. The prosecution has opposed their bail pleas through written submissions. The court is expected to deliver its order on June 8, 2026.
The case is being investigated under Sessions Case No. 256/2025 and CID Police Station FIR No. 18/2025.
Zubeen Garg died on September 19, 2025, while attending the North East India Festival in Singapore. Investigators have alleged a larger conspiracy linked to excessive alcohol consumption and drowning.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, said the rejection of the bail pleas would help uphold truth and justice. In a social media post, she expressed gratitude to the legal team and reaffirmed her faith in the country’s judicial system.
She also shared an emotional message, writing: “We could not carry this smile together forever, but God will surely give the right value to every tear.”
