GUWAHATI: The Kamrup Metropolitan District and Sessions Court has turned down bail applications filed by three individuals accused in connection with the high-profile death case of renowned singer Zubeen Garg, legal sources said on Wednesday. The court’s decision means the three remain in custody as the investigation and trial proceedings continue.
According to court officials, the bail pleas of the three accused were considered after they had spent a period in judicial custody. However, the magistrate examining the case concluded that the gravity of the alleged offences and the ongoing nature of the probe did not justify their release at this stage.
The accused, whose identities were presented during the bail hearing, are facing serious charges in connection with the death of the acclaimed artist. The singer’s death earlier this year triggered widespread public interest and led to extensive inquiries by law enforcement authorities.
Our correspondent reports that during the hearing, the prosecution opposed the bail requests, arguing that releasing the accused could impede the investigation and put pressure on potential witnesses. Prosecutors also cited the serious nature of the charges, which include allegations of conspiracy, and emphasised the need for custodial interrogation to establish facts.
The court, in its order, noted that the investigation was still at a crucial point and relevant evidence was being gathered. In refusing bail, the magistrate said there was a strong prima facie case against the accused and that their continuance in custody was necessary to prevent tampering with evidence and to maintain the integrity of the process.
Legal experts said the rejection of bail at this stage is not unusual given the seriousness of the allegations and the public profile of the case. “In matters involving violent or conspiratorial charges, courts are often cautious in granting bail until the investigation reaches a stage where the risk of interference with witnesses or evidence is minimised,” one senior lawyer explained.
Our correspondent adds that the defence had argued for bail on humanitarian grounds, claiming that prolonged incarceration without formal charges being filed in court was unfair. They cited constitutional protections and previous precedents where courts had granted bail in similar circumstances. However, the magistrate was unconvinced that these factors outweighed the need for continued custodial supervision.
The development comes as the case continues to dominate headlines and public discourse in Assam and beyond. Zubeen Garg, a celebrated musician with a large following across the Northeast and wider India, died under circumstances that raised significant legal and social questions, prompting both police and political attention.
Following the court’s ruling, family members of the singer’s supporters expressed mixed reactions. Some welcomed the decision, saying that it would allow the investigation to proceed without obstruction, while others reiterated calls for a swift and transparent legal process.
Police officials handling the case said they would continue to press ahead with their inquiry and produce additional evidence to the court as required. They added that a thorough collection of forensic and testimonial data was ongoing, and more developments could emerge as the case progresses through the judicial system.
Observers noted that the refusal of bail does not constitute a conviction, but reflects the court’s assessment of risk and investigation status at the present moment. The matter is expected to return to court as both sides prepare for the next stages of hearings, which may include arguments on evidence admissibility and eventually trial.
For the accused, remaining in custody may mean continued interrogation and legal preparation by their defence teams. For public supporters of Zubeen Garg, the court’s decision has, for now, signalled that the judicial process remains fully engaged with the matter.
