Shyamkanu Mahanta and Nandeswar Bora Apply for Bail in Zubeen Garg Death Investigation

Shyamkanu Mahanta and Nandeswar Bora have applied for bail in connection with the death of cultural icon Zubeen Garg. The case raises questions about the ongoing investigation by the Assam government.

Shyamkanu Mahanta and Nandeswar Bora, key figures in the case of Zubeen Garg's death, have sought bail, according to Garg's wife. After attending a court hearing, Garima Saikia Garg stressed that everyone on the yacht during her husband's demise should be investigated by the Assam government. The singer died mysteriously in Singapore on September 19 last year while swimming.

Garg had travelled to Singapore for the North East India Festival (NEIF), where Mahanta was the chief organiser. An SIT formed by the Assam government has arrested seven individuals related to Garg's death. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called it murder. However, Singapore Police found no foul play, stating that Garg drowned while intoxicated after refusing a life jacket.

Accused Seek Bail Amidst Ongoing Investigation

Two more accused have now applied for bail, bringing the total to five. Shyamkanu Mahanta and Nandeswar Bora are among those seeking release, as confirmed by Garima after observing court proceedings. Previously, Sandipan Garg, Amrit Prabha Mahanta, and Prabin Baishya had also filed for bail.

The accused include NEIF organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, manager Siddharth Sharma, band members Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amrit Prabha Mahanta, cousin and Assam Police DSP Sandipan Garg, and PSOs Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya. Shyamkanu is related to former DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta and Gauhati University's VC Nani Gopal Mahanta.

Legal Proceedings and Public Reactions

Garima Saikia Garg expressed confidence in the special public prosecutor team appointed by the government. She stated that they have presented strong arguments in court. "Now I wish the strongest punishment for the culprits. The demons should be killed," she remarked.

The state cabinet had earlier appointed a five-member team of Special Public Prosecutors with senior advocate Ziaul Kamar leading it. Brojendra Mohan Chaudhuri was named additional PP, with Kishor Dutta, Pranjal Dutta, and Vikash Jammar as assistant PPs.

Calls for Comprehensive Investigation

Garima asserted that all Assamese expatriates present on the yacht at the time of Zubeen's death should be made accused in the Indian trial. "We believe all those present on the yacht are equally responsible for Zubeen's death," she said. She highlighted their negligence after the incident and urged for their inclusion in the investigation.

Regarding Singapore Police findings, Garima mentioned they were in contact from the start. "They used to say that it was an independent investigation and had no connection with the Indian probe," she noted. Despite this, she insists on accountability for all involved parties.

In a video conference today, Garima observed no remorse among the accused. "I saw Shaymkanu and others. All of them look physically and mentally fit," she commented. Her observations reflect her determination to see justice served in this high-profile case.

With inputs from PTI