Assam: Trial of all 7 accused in Zubeen Garg death case begins in sessions court
Guwahati (PTI) The trial of the seven accused in the Zubeen Garg death case began on Monday in a court here, with all of them appearing virtually.
The Kamrup (Metro) District and Sessions Court, after examining the accused via video-conferencing, fixed the next date of hearing on January 3, 2026.
It will consider framing of charges on the date of the next hearing, a senior lawyer said.
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The court will call for their production, either in person or virtually, to ask them whether they plead guilty or will stand for trial in the case, he said.
Garg had gone to attend the North East India Festival (NEIF) in Singapore, where he died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea on September 19.
The accused – NEIF chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, the singer's secretary Siddhartha Sharma, his cousin Sandipan Garg, and two personal security officers (PSOs) Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya appeared from the Baksa Jail, while musician Shekharjyoti Goswami and singer Amritprava Mahanta were present online from Haflong Jail.
The celebrated singer's sister Palmee Borthakur was present in court during the hearing, and later told reporters that the family has full faith in the judiciary.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case had charged Mahanta, Sharma, Goswami and Amritprava with murder in the chargesheet filed before the Chief Judicial Magistrate on December 12.
The singer’s cousin and suspended Assam Police officer Sandipan Garg has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while the two PSOs were charged with criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust by misappropriating funds or property entrusted to them.
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Committee constituted to examine on holding matches at Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said that a committee has been constituted to examine giving permissions to hold cricket matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium here.
He said Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has sought permission to hold Vijay Hazare Trophy match at the stadium without allowing the spectators for now.
The minister held a meeting with KSCA office bearers, senior officials and police officers at the Vidhana Soudha, regarding holding cricket matches at the stadium.
Major matches were stopped at the Chinnaswamy Stadium after a stampede had occurred outside it, during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory celebration on June 4, in which 11 people died.
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"We have formed a committee headed by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) commissioner. The committee consists of the police commissioner, PWD, Fire and Health department officials, who will visit the stadium and give feedback," Parameshwara said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, permission has been sought by the KSCA for the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. Also, permissions have been sought for IPL matches, for which there is time.
"Vijay Hazare match is on December 24. The KSCA has requested for permissions without allowing spectators, only matches will be held. A committee has been constituted, which will visit the stadium and give me feedback after examining things there, based on which we will make a decision."
Noting that Bengaluru City Police Commissioner had already written a letter to KSCA stating that it is necessary to follow the 17-point recommendations, the home minister said the committee will review what has been completed and inform the government.
He said that KSCA has said that it will comply with the recommendations.
The committee on Monday visited the stadium, official sources said.
