State advocate general begins arguments in Zubeen’s case

Guwahati: Assam advocate general Devajit Saikia on Friday opened state govt’s arguments in the charge-framing hearing before the special fast-track court in the Zubeen Garg death case, saying that the prosecution would take six to seven days to ensure no loopholes are left.

Speaking to the media after appearing in court, Saikia said, “Charge-framing hearing has been going on for the last 15 days now. I commenced the arguments on behalf of Assam govt, and it will be taken forward by our team.”

He added that defence lawyers had raised a “technical issue” regarding the sanction received from the Centre, since the case involves Garg’s death in Singapore. “I placed our counter that there were no lapses in taking the sanction. It is now for the court to decide on it,” Saikia said.

Special public prosecutor Ziaur Kamar and his team will present arguments on the remaining charges.

Saikia said the govt side would take time to cover every point thoroughly. “It will take six to seven days as we want to ensure there is no lapse and no point is left unaddressed,” he added.

Zubeen Garg drowned while swimming off Lazarus Island in Singapore on Sept 19, a day before he was scheduled to perform at the North East India Festival. An SIT of Assam Police’s CID investigated the case and filed a chargesheet in Dec, naming seven accused, four of whom face murder charges.

The special fast-track court is now hearing the matter daily. In Nov, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma told the assembly that Garg’s death was a case of “plain and simple murder.” Singapore Police, however, concluded in its separate probe, stating that there was no evidence of foul play. Assam authorities have maintained that the foreign probe will not affect proceedings here.