The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam is set to submit video footage related to the death of celebrated Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore. The footage, which will be presented before a Fast Track Court, is a significant development in the ongoing trial. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the CID appeared in court with several electronic devices and digital evidence, including the video footage pertaining to the incident that occurred on September 19 last year.
The submission of the footage is expected to form a crucial part of the prosecution’s evidence as the trial progresses. Zubeen Garg died while swimming near Lazarus Island in Singapore, a day before he was scheduled to perform at an event organised under the North East International Festival (NEIF) banner. Following the incident, the Assam Police CID constituted an SIT to probe the circumstances surrounding his death.
The latest hearing comes days after the examination of multiple prosecution witnesses before the Fast Track Court. Special Public Prosecutor Ziaur Kamar stated that the process of recording evidence was progressing steadily, with several witnesses already deposing before the court. The CID SIT has already filed a chargesheet naming seven accused people in the case, with four charged with murder and others facing charges under various provisions of the law.
With the submission of digital evidence from Singapore, investigators believe the prosecution case will gain further momentum as the court continues examination of witnesses and documentary evidence in the matter. Meanwhile, legal proceedings related to one of the key accused, Siddhartha Sarma, continue separately. Sarma, a former manager of Zubeen Garg, had moved the Gauhati High Court after a Fast Track Court rejected his bail plea.
The High Court subsequently sought records related to the case and fixed a date for hearing the matter.
