Assam Police are poised to approach the Supreme Court (SC) to challenge the Gauhati High Court’s (HC) verdict, granting bail to Amritprava Mahanta and Sandipon Garg in connection with the death of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg.

Officials aware of the development said the appeals shall be filed before the top court once the courts reopen after the ongoing holidays.

Special Director General of Police (CID) and Chief of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) Munna Prasad Gupta confirmed the decision, adding that the trial was progressing on a daily basis in a fast-track court. So far, as per officials, 134 witnesses have been examined in the case.

In an interaction with news agency ANI, Gupta said the police had decided to challenge the bail granted to the accused duo before the top court.

He added that the appeals would be filed shortly after the courts resume functioning.

Gauhati HC granted bail to accused duo

Recently, the Gauhati HC granted bail to suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police (Assam), Sandipon Garg, whom the SIT had arrested in connection with the singer’s death. Notably, Sandipon is Zubeen Garg’s cousin.

A single-judge bench comprising Justice Rajesh Mazumdar granted him bail after hearing his petition. Special Public Prosecutor Ziaul Kumar told ANI that the court had granted the relief but had not yet pronounced the complete order.

Earlier on October 9, Mahanta was granted bail against a bond of Rs 50,000. The SIT arrested her in 2025 following hours of interrogation as part of its probe into Garg’s death.

Singer died in Singapore in Sept 2025

For the unversed, Zubeen Garg died in Singapore on September 19, 2025, during a scuba-diving incident, a day before he was set to perform at the Northeast India festival. His death prompted an extensive probe by Assam Police, and several people were subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.

Shyamkanu Mahanta, who was the organiser of the Northeast India Festival since 2013, was also arrested following Garg’s death. He is facing criminal charges in the case.

In August this year, the SC directed the Assam government to ensure that the trial against Shamkanu Mahanta was conducted diligently and without undue delay.

Trial in progress amid legal developments

The trial continues to be in force with 134 witnesses examined so far, while the investigating police personnel and prosecutors pursue the case. Assam Police’s proposed challenge to the bail orders is likely to bring the case before the Supreme Court once judicial proceedings resume.

Notably, Zubeen Garg was one of Assam’s best-known cultural icons, who was celebrated as a singer, composer, musician, actor and filmmaker. He recorded songs in numerous languages and garnered widespread recognition beyond Assam with the hit track, Ya Ali from the 2006-release, ‘Gangster.’

Despite having gained national popularity, Garg remained deeply connected to Assamese music and culture, making his death an irreparable loss for his fans and the state’s artistic community.