In a dramatic development in the ongoing investigation into the death of iconic Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, two key accused—festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and the singer’s manager Siddharth Sharma—were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) at his residence in Guwahati on October 1, 2025. The move came amid heightened public interest and tight security arrangements, marking a significant legal milestone in the high-profile case.
Both Mahanta and Sharma were escorted directly to the CJM’s residence at Alpana Apartment in Geetanagar, bypassing the CID office where they were initially expected to be taken. The decision to present them at the magistrate’s residence was reportedly made to avoid media congestion and ensure secure proceedings. The duo arrived at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport earlier in the day under heavy police and CISF escort.
Mahanta, who was detained in Singapore and flown in via Delhi, and Sharma, who was arrested from Gurugram, are accused in connection with the circumstances surrounding Zubeen Garg’s death during a scuba diving mishap in Thailand. Their production before the CJM marks the first formal legal step in Assam following their detention.
Legal Proceedings – Timeline of Events in Zubeen Garg Death Case
| Date | Event Description | Legal Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| September 15 | Zubeen Garg dies in scuba diving accident | Initial condolence wave, public mourning |
| September 20 | SIT formed to investigate death | Probe initiated into financial and event links |
| September 25 | Sharma detained in Gurugram | Transferred to Guwahati under escort |
| September 30 | Mahanta flown in from Singapore | Detained at Delhi airport |
| October 1 | Both produced before CJM in Guwahati | 14-day SIT custody granted |
Following their appearance before the magistrate, both Mahanta and Sharma were placed under 14-day custody of the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Officials confirmed that the remand was sanctioned to facilitate detailed interrogation, evidence collection, and timeline reconstruction related to the singer’s final days.
The SIT is expected to probe financial transactions, contractual obligations, and event logistics linked to the North East India Festival in Singapore, which Mahanta had organised and where Zubeen Garg was a headline performer. Sharma, as Garg’s manager, is also under scrutiny for alleged discrepancies in royalty payments and contractual disclosures.
Key Accused Profile – Roles and Allegations
| Name | Role in Zubeen Garg’s Career/Event | Allegations Under Investigation |
|---|---|---|
| Shyamkanu Mahanta | Festival organiser, NE India Festival | Event mismanagement, negligence, financial irregularities |
| Siddharth Sharma | Personal manager of Zubeen Garg | Royalty disputes, contractual opacity, possible coercion |
The CJM’s residence was heavily guarded during the proceedings, with multiple layers of security deployed to manage crowd control and media presence. The decision to conduct the hearing at a private location rather than the court premises was taken in light of the case’s sensitivity and public attention.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that the SIT will now focus on digital evidence, including emails, contracts, and financial records. Statements from family members, production houses, and music labels associated with Zubeen Garg are also expected to be recorded in the coming days.
SIT Investigation Focus – Areas of Inquiry
| Investigation Area | Objective | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Event Logistics | Verify safety protocols and travel arrangements | Establish accountability for mishap |
| Financial Records | Audit payments, royalties, and sponsorships | Identify discrepancies or exploitation |
| Contractual Agreements | Review terms with music labels and organisers | Assess legality and transparency |
| Witness Statements | Collect testimonies from associates and family | Build timeline and motive clarity |
| Digital Evidence | Examine emails, chats, and call logs | Corroborate claims and contradictions |
The death of Zubeen Garg has triggered widespread grief and demands for justice across Assam and the Northeast. Fans, artists, and civil society groups have called for a transparent and impartial investigation, urging authorities to ensure accountability and preserve the singer’s legacy.
Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes and updates, with hashtags like #JusticeForZubeen, #ZubeenGargCase, and #AssamInvestigation trending across the region.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Zubeen Garg Case
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 2.2M mentions | 88% emotional | #JusticeForZubeen #ZubeenGargCase |
| 1.9M interactions | 84% supportive | #AssamInvestigation #SITProbe | |
| 1.7M views | 90% nostalgic | #ZubeenLegacy #AssamMusicIcon | |
| YouTube | 1.5M views | 86% analytical | #ZubeenExplained #LegalUpdate |
Meanwhile, Sharma has issued a statement denying any wrongdoing, calling the allegations “baseless and deeply hurtful.” He claimed that most of Zubeen’s songs were contractually owned by production houses and that the singer had long lamented being shortchanged by the industry. “Let the investigation proceed without fear or prejudice. We owe it to Zubeen da’s memory to pursue truth with dignity,” Sharma said.
Mahanta has not made any public statement since his detention. His legal team is expected to file a bail plea after the initial custody period, depending on the SIT’s findings.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Zubeen Garg and clarity on the circumstances that led to his untimely demise. The next hearing is expected to take place after the 14-day custody period, with SIT likely to present preliminary findings to the magistrate.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available legal proceedings, verified media reports, and official statements. It does not constitute legal advice or character judgment. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
