The grieving family of Assam's beloved cultural icon Zubeen Garg, who tragically passed away in Singapore last September, has formally appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for urgent intervention in their quest for justice. In a heartfelt memorandum, they have specifically requested the establishment of a special court in India to ensure a focused and expedited trial, alongside robust diplomatic and legal engagement with Singaporean authorities.
A Plea for Focused Adjudication and Swift Justice
The memorandum, bearing the signatures of Zubeen's wife Garima, sister Palmee Borthakur, and uncle Manoj Borthakur, outlines several critical demands. The family has urged that no bail be granted to any of the accused until the judicial process reaches its conclusion. They emphasized that the constitution of a special court is essential to maintain public confidence, ensure dedicated adjudication, and prevent procedural delays, particularly in light of the chargesheet already filed by Assam Police.
"His death has left behind not merely a grieving family but millions of people seeking clarity and lawful action," the letter poignantly stated, highlighting the widespread impact of the singer's untimely demise.
Current Investigations and Legal Proceedings
While Assam Police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is actively investigating the case through a Special Investigation Team (SIT), Singaporean authorities are conducting a parallel enquiry. The family acknowledged their continuous engagement with authorities in both jurisdictions but stressed the necessity of a specialized judicial framework in India to avoid jurisdictional complexities and procedural bottlenecks.
In addition to the special court, the family has called for the fast-tracking of the trial, the appointment of additional public prosecutors if deemed necessary, and an assurance that the case will be handled with the highest level of professional competence and seriousness it warrants.
International Diplomatic and Legal Engagement
On the international front, the family has sought active diplomatic and legal collaboration with Singapore. This includes monitoring proceedings in Singapore's Coroner's Court, securing all relevant materials and testimonies, and ensuring mutual legal assistance to overcome any jurisdictional hurdles that may arise.
"We are a family in grief, but also citizens of a Republic founded on justice. We place our trust in your good office to ensure that this matter is pursued with the seriousness, urgency and moral weight it deserves," the memorandum added, underscoring their faith in the Indian judicial and diplomatic systems.
Background of the Case and Recent Developments
Zubeen Garg died on September 19 while swimming off Lazarus Island in Singapore, where he had traveled to attend the North East India Festival. The SIT probing the case submitted its chargesheet on December 12, naming seven accused individuals. Among them, four have been charged with murder, one with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and two with criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust.
A sessions court in Guwahati is scheduled to hear the consideration of charges against these seven accused on January 30. Meanwhile, in a contrasting development, Singapore's Coroner's Court recently ruled out foul play, stating that Zubeen was severely intoxicated and drowned after declining a life jacket.
The family's appeal to PM Modi reflects their determination to seek a comprehensive and transparent legal process, bridging both domestic and international efforts to uncover the truth behind the cultural icon's tragic death.
