The All Assam Lawyers' Association has declared that its members will not represent any of the accused in the death case of celebrated singer Zubeen Garg. This decision stems from a sense of social responsibility and moral obligation, as the association believes that providing legal support to those accused would be a "historic mistake".
Zubeen Garg's death in Singapore on September 19, 2025, has sparked widespread grief and suspicion. The circumstances surrounding his death, initially reported as a possible drowning, are now under intense scrutiny, with allegations of poisoning and foul play surfacing.
The All Assam Lawyers' Association views Zubeen Garg as a cultural icon and the "heartbeat of Assamese identity". The association has emphasized the sensitive nature of the case and its significant emotional impact on the people of Assam. They believe that defending the accused would undermine public trust and Assamese cultural dignity. The association's decision is a collective mark of respect for Garg's immense contributions to Assamese culture.
Several First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed against individuals alleged to have played a role in the singer's unnatural death. Those implicated include Shyamkanu Mahanta, a festival organizer, and Siddhartha Sharma, Zubeen Garg's manager. Both Sharma and Mahanta have been arrested by police as part of their probe into the death of the famous singer. Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, a bandmate, and co-singer Amritprava Mahanta have also been arrested in the case.
The Assam government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure accountability. The lawyers' association has expressed its desire for an unhindered investigation that prioritizes justice over technical defense.
Recent developments in the case include allegations from Zubeen Garg's bandmate, Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, who claims that the singer was poisoned. Goswami alleges that Sharma and Mahanta deliberately chose a foreign venue to conceal their conspiracy and portray the death as accidental. He further claims that Sharma dismissed Zubeen Garg's distress, including frothing at the mouth and nose, as mere acid reflux and delayed seeking medical intervention.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the viscera examination report is expected by October 10, with full details anticipated by October 11. He has also urged the Assamese community to press for the swift return of key suspects currently in Singapore to avoid further delays in the probe.
Shyamkanu Mahanta has approached the Supreme Court seeking a transfer of the FIR to another state, claiming to be a victim of a calculated witch hunt and alleging bias by the Assam police in the investigation. He is also seeking a transfer of the probe to the CBI or NIA.
The All Assam Lawyers' Association's stance reflects the deep public sentiment and demand for justice in this case. The association's refusal to defend the accused aims to ensure a fair and transparent investigation, preserve public trust, and uphold Assamese cultural dignity. The association emphasized that only a fair and thorough investigation can establish the truth. The association has urged for an environment where investigating agencies can function without hindrance, underlining the need to prioritize justice over technical defence.
