Charges Framed Against Accused in Musician Zubeen Garg's Death Case

A special court has ordered the trial against seven individuals connected with the death of Assamese musician Zubeen Garg to proceed. Charges were officially framed, and all accused entered pleas of 'not guilty', according to public prosecutor Ziaul Kamar.

The court has streamlined the trial process, deciding to commence with witness hearings from June 8. The prosecutor must now provide a comprehensive witness list for these proceedings. Notable figures accused in the case include Garg's manager and several associates, who face a spectrum of accusations from murder to criminal negligence.

Garg tragically passed away while in Singapore for the North East India Festival, reportedly drowning under mysterious circumstances, though the Singapore police concluded there was no foul play. Despite this, the Assam police's investigation, spurred by numerous FIRs, has led to serious charges against those closest to him, with prime suspect Shyamkanu Mahanta facing the most substantial legal allegations.

The trial aims to address all aspects of the complex case, with the court preferring efficiency in proceedings. Meanwhile, related inquiries discovered no signs of foul play, with intoxicants identified as a contributing factor to the singer's unforeseen demise.

(With inputs from agencies.)