Guwahati, May 29 (IANS) Assam Advocate General Devajit Saikia on Friday cited multiple grounds while opposing the bail plea of festival organiser and prime accused Shyamkanu Mahanta in Assam’s iconic musician Zubeen Garg’s death probe, stating that the accused could abscond if granted bail by the court.

The Gauhati High Court rejected the bail plea of Shyamkanu Mahanta on Friday. Earlier, a Fast Track Court had also dismissed Mahanta’s bail application in connection with the sensational case that had triggered widespread public reaction across Assam.

Addressing the media after the court proceedings, Saikia said the court rejected bail after taking into consideration seven crucial aspects placed before it by the prosecution.

He further claimed that deleted data from Mahanta’s mobile phone had been successfully retrieved during the investigation.

The Advocate General also alleged that Mahanta had prepared dictated notes instructing Garg’s bandmate and singer, Amritprabha Mahanta, on what statements should be made.

According to Saikia, these developments raised serious concerns over possible attempts to influence the investigation and tamper with evidence.

Amritprabha Mahanta, who travelled to Singapore with Zubeen Garg, is also in jail due to her alleged role in the ace singer’s untimely demise.

Saikia further maintained that the prosecution had strongly argued against bail because the accused might flee if released.

The court, after hearing the submissions, rejected the bail plea and allowed the investigation to continue.

The case has continued to draw strong reactions on social media, with several users demanding strict punishment for those involved under the campaign “Justice for Zubeen Garg”.

The case pertains to the death of Zubeen Garg, who died on September 19 last year while swimming near Lazarus Island in Singapore.

The incident occurred just a day before the singer was scheduled to perform at an event organised under the NEIF banner.

Following the incident, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Assam Police’s CID conducted an extensive probe and filed a chargesheet in December.

The chargesheet named seven accused individuals, including Mahanta.

Of them, four have been booked on charges of murder, intensifying the gravity of the case.

Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had termed the case a “plain and simple murder” during a discussion in the state Assembly, underlining the government’s stance on the matter.

Meanwhile, a parallel investigation carried out by Singapore Police reached a different conclusion, stating that there was no evidence of foul play in Garg’s death.

Despite this, authorities in Assam have maintained that the findings of the foreign probe will not influence the ongoing investigation and trial in the state.

The case continues to draw widespread public and political attention.

–IANS

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