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Guwahati: The All Assam Lawyers’ Association has called on members of the legal fraternity to refrain from representing individuals accused in the case of Zubeen Garg’s death in Singapore on September 19, 2025. The association cited the singer-composer’s death as a source of mass distress across Assam. Legal fraternity asked to abstain In a statement issued on Friday, September 26, the association said, “The death under mysterious circumstances has given rise to suspicion, mystery and a sense of conspiracy. Multiple FIRs have been lodged with the police in different parts of the state. Allowing their conscience to defend the accused will be a historical mistake for the legal fraternity.” FIRs and police notices So far, 55 FIRs have been registered against Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organiser of the North East India Festival in Singapore, Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, and other individuals linked to the event. The singer had travelled to Singapore to perform at the festival. On Friday, the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police issued notices to people associated with the incident, including members of the Assam Association of Singapore, asking them to appear within 10 days. Raids and arrests For the second consecutive day, CID and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted raids at Mr. Mahanta’s residence in Guwahati’s Geetanagar area, following previous searches at the homes of Mr. Sharma and Garg’s bandmate, Shekhar Jyoti Goswami. During these operations, six people were taken into custody in connection with clashes outside Mr. Sharma’s residence. Police said the group had pelted stones at the probe team and caused property damage, prompting a cane charge. Public and political reaction Various individuals, organisations, and political parties in Assam have demanded the immediate arrest of all responsible parties. The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that the statements and conduct of the government suggested a lack of intent to allow a proper investigation. AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi questioned whether the administration feared “skeletons would tumble out of the closet” if the truth emerged. The AJP released photos showing the Chief Minister and police officials in the company of Mr. Mahanta, questioning the government’s impartiality. This comes after the Chief Minister stated on Thursday that he disliked Mr. Mahanta and denied any connection with his organisation. As the investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death continues, tensions remain high in Assam. The All Assam Lawyers’ Association’s appeal and the public demand for accountability underscore the gravity of the case, which has captured widespread attention both within the state and among the diaspora.
