Guwahati

The Gauhati High Court has approved the creation of a dedicated fast-track sessions court to conduct daily hearings in the Zubeen Garg death case, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday.

According to Sarma, Baksa district judge Sharmila Bhuyan has been appointed to preside over the special court, which will handle the trial on a day-to-day basis. Until the new court becomes functional, the existing additional district and sessions court will continue daily proceedings in the case.

Calling the move a “significant milestone” in ensuring justice, the chief minister said it reflects the state’s commitment to expediting the judicial process. He also expressed gratitude to Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar for approving the request.

The development comes six months after the death of singer Zubeen Garg, who died on September 19 last year in Singapore while attending the North East India Festival.

An SIT of Assam Police’s CID had earlier investigated the case and filed a chargesheet naming seven accused. Among them are festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, and two band members, who face murder charges. His cousin, suspended police officer Sandipan Garg, has been charged with culpable homicide, while two personal security officers have been booked for conspiracy and breach of trust.

Separately, authorities in Singapore are also examining the incident. A coroner’s court there has ruled out foul play, stating that Garg was heavily intoxicated and drowned after declining to wear a life jacket.