Key Eyewitness Testifies in Zubeen Garg Death Trial in Guwahati

GUWAHATI – The legal proceedings surrounding the untimely death of celebrated musician and singer Zubeen Garg reached a critical juncture on Wednesday as a key eyewitness took the stand at the special fast-track court in Guwahati.

Parikshit Sharma, a prominent member of the Assam Association in Singapore, appeared before the court to record his statement regarding the events of September 19, 2025. Sharma was reportedly aboard the yacht during the ill-fated outing near Lazarus Island in Singapore, where the 52-year-old artist lost his life while swimming. His testimony is viewed as a pivotal moment in the ongoing murder trial.

A High-Profile Investigation

The death of Zubeen Garg, who was in Singapore for the fourth edition of the North East India Festival, sent shockwaves through Assam, sparking widespread public grief and protests. Following the filing of over 60 police complaints, the case was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and subsequently handled by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

In December 2025, the SIT submitted a charge sheet implicating seven individuals. Among those charged with murder are festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, and singer Amritprabha Mahanta. Additionally, Garg’s cousin, Sandipan Garg, and security personnel Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya have been named as accused in the case.

Conflicting Legal Findings

The case has been marked by a significant divergence between international and local findings. While the Singapore Coroner’s Court ruled in March 2026 that Garg’s death was an accidental drowning and explicitly found no evidence of foul play, the trial in India continues to move forward based on the SIT’s findings.

To ensure a timely resolution, the Gauhati High Court established a dedicated fast-track sessions court in March 2026 to facilitate daily hearings. Formal charges were framed against all seven defendants in May, and the trial officially commenced on June 8.

Path to Justice

Progress in the courtroom has been steady; as of mid-August, the prosecution has successfully examined 94 of the 394 witnesses slated to testify. The Supreme Court of India has also issued directives to the Assam authorities to prioritize and expedite the proceedings.

While the specific details of Parikshit Sharma’s testimony remain under seal, his presence underscores the reliance on international witnesses to piece together the events surrounding the artist’s final hours. With several more Singapore-based witnesses expected to appear in the coming months, the court continues its rigorous process to determine the truth behind the tragedy.