NETV News Desk | Last Updated: January 3, 2026 The quest for justice for Assam’s cultural icon, Zubeen Garg, reached a critical juncture today at the Kamrup (Metro) District and Sessions Court.1 While fans across the globe expected the formal framing of charges against the seven accused, procedural complexities and new legal representations have pushed the timeline further.
The Current Legal Status: What Happened on January 3?
Today was designated for the framing of charges against the seven accused involved in the mysterious death of Zubeen Garg in Singapore.2 However, the court has deferred the process to January 17, 2026.
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Virtual Appearances: All seven accused, including festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta and Zubeen’s manager Siddharth Sharma, appeared virtually from Baksa and Haflong jails due to security concerns.3
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High-Profile Defense: The defense team has seen a major surge in strength. Siddharth Sharma has reportedly engaged a senior advocate from the Supreme Court, while other accused have brought in veteran lawyers from Kolkata.
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Voluminous Evidence: The defense cited the massive 12,000-page chargesheet filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), requesting more time to examine the digital and physical documents.
Timeline of the Zubeen Garg Case: From Singapore to Guwahati
To understand the gravity of the current trial, here is the timeline of events that shook the Northeast:
| Date | Event |
| Sept 19, 2025 | Zubeen Garg passes away in Singapore under mysterious circumstances while swimming off St. John’s Island. |
| Dec 12, 2025 | The SIT files a massive chargesheet naming 7 accused, including murder charges (Section 103 BNS) against four. |
| Dec 22, 2025 | The Sessions Court takes cognisance of the case, shifting the battle from the CJM to the Trial Court. |
| Jan 1, 2026 | CM Himanta Biswa Sarma promises a Special Public Prosecutor and a Fast-Track Court. |
| Jan 3, 2026 | Hearing for framing charges; case adjourned to Jan 17 as defense seeks more time. |
Garima Saikia Garg’s Reaction: “We Need a Stronger Prosecution”
Following today’s court proceedings, Zubeen’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, expressed her concerns regarding the pace of the trial and the “uneven” legal battle.
“The accused have built very strong defense teams with lawyers from the Supreme Court and Kolkata. We need our Public Prosecution to be just as prepared,” she told the media.
Key points from Garima Garg’s latest statement:
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Demand for Special Court: She has urged the Assam government to expedite the formation of a Special Fast-Track Court to handle the 394 witnesses involved.4
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Allegations of Conspiracy: Garima continues to highlight inconsistencies in hotel bookings and the “One Last Tour” narrative, which she claims were used by organizers to manipulate the singer’s schedule.5
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Call for Transparency: She emphasized that “justice delayed is justice denied” and requested the appointment of a team of senior criminal advocates to assist the state.6
Who are the Accused?
The SIT has categorized the seven accused based on their alleged roles:
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Murder Charges (Section 103, BNS): Shyamkanu Mahanta (Organizer), Siddhartha Sharma (Manager), Sekhar Jyoti Goswami, and Amritprabha Mahanta.7
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Culpable Homicide (Section 105, BNS): Sandipan Garg (Zubeen’s cousin/suspended police officer).8
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Criminal Conspiracy/Breach of Trust: PSOs Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya.9
