Zubeen Garg Death: Murder Charges Added Against Shyamkanu, Siddharth

The Assam Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) has intensified its probe into the death of celebrated singer Zubeen Garg, formally adding murder charges against North East India Festival (NEIF) chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and Garg’s long-time manager Siddharth Sharma. The development was confirmed by Special DGP M. P. Gupta during a press briefing on Thursday, October 2.

Gupta stated that Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—which prescribes death or life imprisonment along with a fine—has now been invoked against the two accused. “A new Section 103 under the BNS has been added to the investigation,” he said.

Earlier, Mahanta and Sharma were booked under culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence. With the fresh amendment, they now face full-fledged murder charges. The main investigation has been registered as CID Case No. 18/2025 under Sections 61(2), 105, 106(1), and 103 BNS, while a separate property-related case against Mahanta has been registered as Case No. 19/2025 under Sections 316(5), 336(5), 337, 338, 339, 340(2), 341(1), and 342(1) BNS.

Sources say Mahanta is showing signs of mental strain and restlessness in police custody. Accustomed to a luxurious lifestyle and 24-hour air-conditioned rooms, he is now reportedly sleeping on a blanket on the floor of the CID lockup. Both Mahanta and Sharma are undergoing intense questioning as investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding Garg’s death.

Meanwhile, three other individuals linked to NEIF—Nayan Jyoti Das, Dipjyoti Roy, and Raktim Roy—have been summoned to the CID office for questioning. The three are reportedly close to Mahanta, with Raktim Roy closely monitoring Mahanta’s financial transactions related to the festival.

The SIT continues to examine all evidence, including Garg’s recovered mobile phone, as it moves forward with the investigation amid growing public interest in the case.

ALSO READ: Shyamkanu-Siddharth Denied Home Food in CID Lockup