In an exclusive conversation with Northeast Scoop, Abhijit Sharma, President of Assam Public Works (APW), spoke in detail about the ongoing investigation into the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg. Sharma expressed serious concerns over the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the way the investigation is being conducted questioning both its approach and the fairness of the process.
The APW chief said that the investigation and justice process must be transparent and fair. “From Delhi to Singapore, from Guwahati to Sonapur, we have followed the case closely. We salute Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for what he have done so far.. But let SIT do its job independently. Let the Chief Minister do his own work without influencing the investigation. The people of Assam want justice for Zubeen Garg and they deserve it,” Sharma said.
Sharma said, “We have doubts on the SIT because they invited only intellectuals and people who do not have a legal background to discuss the investigation and the case. They did not call the people who actually filed the FIRs. This is completely illegal. It raises serious doubts in our minds about the SIT and their handling of this case.” 
He also spoke about the alleged connection between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the accused in the case, particularly Shyamkanu Mahanta and his family. Sharma said, “If there is any connection, it should be put aside. Legal action must be taken against all culprits. Nothing should be done to protect anyone because of connections. The Chief Minister, as the Home Minister of the state should ensure strict action is taken and the culprits are punished.”
Sharma said that he is not accusing the Chief Minister of protecting anyone but urged him to remain impartial. “I am not saying he is saving them. I am saying that if there is any soft corner for the culprits, it must be set aside. Help SIT to take proper action. Justice must be served without bias,” he said.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the current investigation process saying that despite FIRs and complaints filed by many people, SIT is reportedly focusing on statements from social media and selective individuals. “SIT is calling only those persons whom we see on social media giving statements. Why are they showing a soft corner to certain ethnic people living in Singapore? Why are they leaving some people untouched while arresting only a few?” Sharma questioned.
Sharma specifically raised concerns about Shyamkanu Mahanta’s wife, who reportedly holds a high position in a company which Shyamkanu owns. “Why is she not being questioned or arrested? There are many people linked to this case who were in Singapore. Why are they being left alone? Why only five people have been caught? This raises doubts about the investigation,” he said.
Financial aspects of the case were also highlighted by Sharma. He pointed out that the accused, particularly Mahanta have assets and income sources linked to the case. “SIT has sealed the house of Shyamkanu Mahanta . If the house is sealed, how can his wife enter or manage the property? Where is the money coming from? What about the assets of the accused? Justice is not just about arrests; it is about following all leads and recovering all illegal money,” he said.
Sharma also spoke on the controversial Baksa violence incident, criticizing how the Chief Minister has portrayed the events. “The main culprit behind the Baksa violence was DSP Gitartha Dev Sharma. Videos clearly show that the chaos started after his baton charge. Yet, the Chief Minister claims that the protesters started pelting stones. This is misleading. Justice must be fair for everyone, regardless of community or religion,” Sharma said.
He further highlighted inconsistencies in the handling of arrests during the Baksa incident. “Some people from the Muslim community were arrested for stone-pelting, but in the Zubeen Garg case, the accused are Hindus. The people want to know why only certain groups are targeted and others are left untouched. Justice must be impartial,” Sharma said.
On the issue of the Chief Minister’s statements about the Zubeen Garg case, Sharma said, “The Chief Minister himself has said that Zubeen was murdered. As the Home Minister, he must let SIT do its work. He should not act as a spokesperson for SIT. Let the investigation happen, let justice be served and let the guilty be punished. That is all we are asking for.”
Sharma also criticized the alleged influence of the Mahanta family in Assam’s politics. “The Mahanta family is like the Kauravas of Assam. One member is made Vice Chancellor, another is an ex-DGP, and they maintain close contact with the Chief Minister. This influence raises questions about fairness and impartiality in the investigation. Soft corners must be removed. Justice must not be influenced by power or position,” he said.
He also expressed concern about the confusion in public perception and government statements regarding supporters of Zubeen Garg. “The government says that people shouting outside are not real Zubeen fans. We want to know the procedure to be recognized as a Zubeen fans. If there is a proper procedure, the government should announce it. Many of us are true fans. We want clarity,” Sharma said.
