'Millions seeking lawful action': Zubeen Garg's family writes to PM Modi; seeks speedy trial

NEW DELHI: The kin of late singer Zubeen Garg on Saturday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to set up a “special court” for a fast-tracked trial in the case.They also sought “proactive” engagement with Singapore, where Garg had died in September last year, to monitor court proceedings at the “highest level.” “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 Assam cultural icon’s family said in the letter.“His death has left behind not merely a grieving family but millions of people seeking clarity and lawful action,” it added.The letter was signed by Garg’s wife, Garima, sister, Palmee Borthakur, and uncle Manoj Borthakur. The signatories said they have been in “continuous engagement with authorities in both jurisdictions.”The case is being investigated by the Assam Police CID in India, as well as by Singaporean authorities in the city-state.The kin also sought that bail should not be granted to any of the accused in the case until the judicial process is complete. They further requested the appointment of additional public prosecutors, if necessary, to assist the five-member team already put in place by the Assam government, “so that the case is conducted with the highest professional competence and seriousness it warrants and in order to expedite the process.”A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Assam Police’s CID had submitted its charge-sheet on December 12 last year. Out of the seven arrested so far, the SIT has accused four of Garg’s murder and one of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The other two have been charged with criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust for misappropriating funds or property entrusted to them.Separately, a Singapore coroner’s court recently ruled out foul play, stating that Garg was “severely intoxicated” and had drowned off Lazarus Island after declining a life jacket. The singer, 52, was in Singapore for the North East India Festival and died on September 19.(With PTI inputs)