Guwahati, Dec 16: All seven accused in the death case of singer Zubeen Garg appeared before the Kamrup (Metro) Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court through video conferencing on Tuesday, as the case formally entered the judicial phase.

The accused were produced virtually after the Assam Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) cautioned the court about possible law-and-order issues if they were brought physically to the courtroom.

Government advocate Pradip Konwar stated that the court had initially ordered the physical production of the accused but later permitted their appearance via video link following a special application filed by the CID, citing security concerns.

Konwar said Tuesday’s hearing was limited to procedural matters, primarily the supply of case documents, and no arguments were taken up. The court directed that hard copies of the chargesheet and related documents be provided to the accused in jail.

“The court has also directed that all family members appear before it. A pen drive containing copies of the case materials has been handed over to the family members,” Konwar said.

He added that the next hearing has been scheduled for December 22, during which the accused are expected to appear physically. After that, the case will be committed to the Sessions Court, as it is a trial case falling under the jurisdiction of the District Judge.

The court also instructed that the documents supplied to the accused be returned after examination, with signatures recorded in the search sheet as part of the official legal procedure.

The court emphasised that virtual production was allowed only at the preliminary stage and underlined the need to strictly follow due process while ensuring public order.

The hearing followed the filing of a nearly 12,000-page chargesheet by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) last week.

According to the SIT, the incident occurred on September 19, 2025, at a seaside location in Singapore, where Garg allegedly remained unconscious for nearly 75 minutes before medical assistance arrived.

The chargesheet alleges excessive alcohol consumption during a late-night gathering followed by a yacht outing. The SIT has named seven accused, assigning roles ranging from supplying alcohol to encouraging risky behaviour at sea.

It alleges that Shyamkanu Mahanta supplied alcohol, while Amritprava Mahanta ensured its continued consumption throughout the night. Investigators said critical moments were recorded on video and images, which were later recovered from the accused’s mobile phones.

The chargesheet further accuses Siddharth Sharma of provoking Garg to enter the sea while intoxicated and Shekhar Jyoti Goswami of facilitating his entry without a life jacket.

The SIT has also charged suspended police officer Sandipan Garg, a relative of the singer, under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Sources said he may turn approver, subject to court approval.

Five of the accused are currently lodged in Baksa district jail, while two are held at Haflong sub-jail in Dima Hasao district.

The prosecution said all accused will be required to appear physically once the case is taken up by the Sessions Court under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Also Read: Meghalaya’s traditional foods may hold natural answers to hypertension: Study

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