Guwahati, February 22 – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday that a decision regarding the establishment of a fast-track court to investigate the death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg will be taken in the next cabinet meeting, scheduled for the coming week.
Speaking to reporters here, Sarma said, "A cabinet meeting is being called on February 26 to discuss the formation of a fast-track court to investigate the death of Zubeen Garg. We will take a decision in accordance with the sentiments of the Assamese people."
The Chief Minister also accused the Congress party of indulging in politics by using the tragic death of Zubeen Garg to manipulate public emotions and gain votes in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Commenting on Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who visited the cremation site of Zubeen Garg on the outskirts of Guwahati during her recent visit to Assam, CM Sarma said, "The Congress has been trying to use Zubeen Garg to attract votes in the election, and I believe that is very wrong. I want to ask Priyanka Gandhi why she only visited Zubeen Garg's cremation site? She could have paid respects to Bhupen Hazarika and other prominent Assamese figures if she genuinely considered the people of Assam. We have kept Zubeen Garg out of politics."
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister said that his government was aware of the strong emotions associated with the case and assured that the law would take its course.
He added that the administration remains committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in investigations, while also respecting legal procedures.
The case involving Zubeen Garg has been a subject of public discussion for several months, with various organizations, fans, and civil society groups demanding swift justice and clarity.
Protest demonstrations and appeals on social media have called for swift action, citing the cultural significance of the singer and the emotional bond he shares with the people of Assam.
Zubeen Garg, one of Assam's most celebrated cultural icons, has a massive following across generations.
Any incident associated with him tends to evoke strong reactions, making the matter socially and politically sensitive. The alleged investigation into his death has therefore remained under close public scrutiny.
Sarma said that public confidence in the justice delivery system is essential and reiterated that his government would not shy away from structural reforms if required.
"Fast-track courts can play an important role in delivering justice within a fixed time frame, especially in cases that deeply concern society," he said.
The Chief Minister also appealed to people to maintain peace and trust the legal system, stating that speculation and misinformation could hamper the investigation process.
Zubeen Garg died in a boating accident in Singapore on September 19 last year.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Assam government has accused four individuals, including the singer's manager, bandmates, and a festival organizer, of killing Garg.
The issue is expected to continue resonating in Assam's political discourse, especially as the state moves closer to the Assembly elections, with demands for fast-track court proceedings in the Zubeen Garg case gaining momentum.
Speaking to reporters here, Sarma said, "A cabinet meeting is being called on February 26 to discuss the formation of a fast-track court to investigate the death of Zubeen Garg. We will take a decision in accordance with the sentiments of the Assamese people."
The Chief Minister also accused the Congress party of indulging in politics by using the tragic death of Zubeen Garg to manipulate public emotions and gain votes in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Commenting on Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who visited the cremation site of Zubeen Garg on the outskirts of Guwahati during her recent visit to Assam, CM Sarma said, "The Congress has been trying to use Zubeen Garg to attract votes in the election, and I believe that is very wrong. I want to ask Priyanka Gandhi why she only visited Zubeen Garg's cremation site? She could have paid respects to Bhupen Hazarika and other prominent Assamese figures if she genuinely considered the people of Assam. We have kept Zubeen Garg out of politics."
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister said that his government was aware of the strong emotions associated with the case and assured that the law would take its course.
He added that the administration remains committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in investigations, while also respecting legal procedures.
The case involving Zubeen Garg has been a subject of public discussion for several months, with various organizations, fans, and civil society groups demanding swift justice and clarity.
Protest demonstrations and appeals on social media have called for swift action, citing the cultural significance of the singer and the emotional bond he shares with the people of Assam.
Zubeen Garg, one of Assam's most celebrated cultural icons, has a massive following across generations.
Any incident associated with him tends to evoke strong reactions, making the matter socially and politically sensitive. The alleged investigation into his death has therefore remained under close public scrutiny.
Sarma said that public confidence in the justice delivery system is essential and reiterated that his government would not shy away from structural reforms if required.
"Fast-track courts can play an important role in delivering justice within a fixed time frame, especially in cases that deeply concern society," he said.
The Chief Minister also appealed to people to maintain peace and trust the legal system, stating that speculation and misinformation could hamper the investigation process.
Zubeen Garg died in a boating accident in Singapore on September 19 last year.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Assam government has accused four individuals, including the singer's manager, bandmates, and a festival organizer, of killing Garg.
The issue is expected to continue resonating in Assam's political discourse, especially as the state moves closer to the Assembly elections, with demands for fast-track court proceedings in the Zubeen Garg case gaining momentum.
