The Assam CID murder charge against festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and singer Zubeen Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma has intensified the investigation into the beloved singer’s death. On October 2, 2025, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam invoked Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), turning the probe from negligence to outright murder.
This escalation has stunned fans, cultural leaders, and political circles across Assam, who had long demanded a thorough probe.
Background: Why Assam CID Invoked Murder Charge
Zubeen Garg’s untimely death earlier this year left Assam in mourning. Initially probed as a case of negligence, the investigation now points to possible deliberate acts linked to professional disputes.
Forensic reports, testimonies, and financial investigations are believed to have played a key role in this shift. According to reports in EastMojo, this reflects the CID’s confidence in establishing intent or deliberate wrongdoing.
Section 103 of the BNS and Its Implications
Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Section 103 covers offences of murder, applied when intent to cause death is established. By invoking this, the CID has raised the stakes, ensuring stricter punishment if the accused are convicted.
The application of Section 103 in this case marks one of the first high-profile cultural investigations under the new BNS, highlighting its role in modern Indian jurisprudence.
Assam CID Murder Charge Leads to Police Custody
Both Mahanta and Sharma were produced before a Guwahati court and remanded to 14 days of police custody. This gives CID officers extended time to interrogate the accused and examine financial records, communications, and contractual obligations linked to Zubeen Garg’s performances.
Reports in The Economic Times confirm that investigators are now focusing on disputed festival contracts and alleged financial irregularities.
Zubeen Garg’s Legacy: Why the Case Matters
Zubeen Garg was more than a singer—he was a cultural institution in Assam. With a career spanning over three decades, he lent his voice to Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and other regional music industries. His hits made him a household name, while his activism for Assamese identity, cinema, and social causes made him a revered figure.
For millions, Garg’s death is personal. The Assam CID murder charge has therefore become more than just a legal matter—it is a quest for cultural justice.
Public Reaction to Assam CID Murder Charge
Across Assam, the announcement has sparked widespread reaction. Fans of Zubeen Garg—known as the voice of Assam—have organized vigils, marches, and social media campaigns with hashtags like #JusticeForZubeen.
Cultural bodies and civil society groups have welcomed the decision to add the CID murder charge, saying only a rigorous trial can deliver justice.
Political and Cultural Fallout
The case has also become politically charged. Opposition leaders have accused the state government of delay, while the ruling party has promised full transparency.
Meanwhile, Zubeen Garg’s cultural influence remains unmatched. His music and activism made him a symbol of Assamese identity, and the progress of this case is being closely watched across the Northeast.
What Happens Next in the Assam CID Murder Case
Investigators will now:
- Gather forensic and digital evidence.
- Cross-check communications between Garg, Mahanta, and Sharma.
- Probe alleged disputes over festival appearances and payments.
If the CID can substantiate its claims, the case will move to trial under the new BNS framework.
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The Assam CID murder charge marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for Zubeen Garg. With the public’s eyes fixed on the investigation, transparency and accountability are critical.