Zubeen kin write to PM for special court & diplomatic action

Guwahati: The family of Assam’s cultural icon Zubeen Garg, who died in Singapore last Sept, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the constitution of a special court for an expedited trial and strong diplomatic-legal engagement with Singapore in connection with the case.In a memorandum signed by Zubeen’s wife Garima, sister Palmee Borthakur and uncle Manoj Borthakur, the family urged that no bail be granted to any of the accused until the judicial process is complete. The family wrote that the constitution of a special court in India is necessary “to ensure focused adjudication, public confidence and avoidance of procedural delay in the case arising from the chargesheet filed by Assam Police”. “His death has left behind not merely a grieving family but millions of people seeking clarity and lawful action,” the letter stated.While Assam Police’s CID is investigating the case through a Special Investigation Team (SIT), Singaporean authorities are conducting a parallel enquiry. The family said they remain in “continuous engagement with authorities in both jurisdictions” but stressed the need for focused adjudication and avoidance of procedural delay through a special court in India.They also requested fast-tracking of the trial, appointment of additional public prosecutors if required, and assurance that the case be conducted with “the highest professional competence and seriousness it warrants.”On the international front, the family sought active diplomatic and legal engagement with Singapore, including monitoring proceedings in the Coroner’s Court, securing all relevant materials and testimonies, and ensuring mutual legal assistance to prevent jurisdictional hurdles.“We are a family in grief, but also citizens of a Republic founded on justice. We place our trust in your good office to ensure that this matter is pursued with the seriousness, urgency and moral weight it deserves,” the memorandum added.Zubeen died on Sept 19 while swimming off Lazarus Island in Singapore, where he had travelled to attend the North East India Festival.The SIT probing the case submitted its chargesheet on Dec 12, naming seven accused. Four have been charged with murder, one with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and two with criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust.A sessions court here is scheduled to hear consideration of charges against the seven accused on Jan 30.Meanwhile, Singapore’s Coroner’s Court recently ruled out foul play, stating that Zubeen was severely intoxicated and drowned after declining a life jacket.