New Delhi, June 23: The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Assam government regarding the bail plea of Shyamkanu Mahanta, an accused in the high-profile death case of singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore last year.
A bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Joymalya Bagchi delivered this order during the hearing of a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Mahanta. He is challenging the Guwahati High Court’s decision that denied him bail.
The Supreme Court has requested a response from the Assam government. According to information available on the court’s official website, the next hearing in this case is scheduled for August 10.
Ansuya Chaudhary, Mahanta’s lawyer, stated in an interview that her client is currently in jail and has been cooperating with the investigation from the beginning. The court has issued a notice and sought a response from the government.
Last month, the Guwahati High Court rejected Mahanta’s bail plea, citing serious charges against him and evidence suggesting his active involvement in the alleged conspiracy.
Justice Mithali Thakuria, in her ruling, noted that despite being aware of the deceased singer’s health condition, adequate security and medical facilities were not provided.
The High Court remarked, “At first glance, it appears that there was a conspiracy between the petitioner and other co-accused.” The court also indicated that evidence collected during the investigation points to the yacht party being organized at Mahanta’s suggestion, where he allegedly played an active role in the conspiracy.
The court’s order mentioned that, according to the prosecution, the singer was provided with alcohol throughout the night and was taken on a yacht trip without any medical assistance, despite doctors advising him to avoid alcohol and water-related activities.
The High Court expressed concern that Mahanta might flee if granted bail. The court noted that he had traveled to Malaysia after the incident and was arrested at Delhi Airport following the issuance of a lookout notice.
The court stated, “It cannot be completely ruled out that the petitioner may abscond if granted bail.”
Justice Thakuria also highlighted that the prosecution has listed a significant number of witnesses, making it plausible that witnesses could be influenced at this stage.
The High Court concluded that Mahanta’s period of custody cannot be deemed excessively lengthy. Additionally, a special court has been established for the daily hearing of this case.
Shyamkanu Mahanta has been accused in connection with the investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death.
This case revolves around the death of singer Zubeen Garg, who drowned near Lazarus Island in Singapore on September 19, 2025. He was scheduled to perform at an event organized under the Northeast International Festival (NEIF) the following day.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma referred to the case as a “clear and direct murder” during a discussion in the assembly. Meanwhile, the Singapore Police Force’s investigation found no evidence of conspiracy or criminal activity in Garg’s death. However, the Assam government maintains that the findings of the Singapore investigation will not affect the ongoing criminal proceedings and trial in the state.
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