The investigation into the death of popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg has entered a crucial stage, as the judicial custody of five key accused persons ends today. The five — North East India Festival chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeen’s manager Siddhartha Sharma, his cousin and police officer Sandipan Garg, and personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya — are likely to appear before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on Monday.
According to sources, the court will decide whether to extend their custody or grant bail. Officials have indicated that the accused are expected to appear virtually via video conferencing instead of being brought to court physically, mainly for security reasons.
The five were earlier remanded to judicial custody on October 15, following their arrest in connection with the ongoing probe into Zubeen Garg’s mysterious death. They have since been lodged at Baksa jail, where security has been tightened after violent protests broke out during their transfer. 
The unrest saw angry supporters hurling stones at police vehicles transporting the accused, setting fire to several others, and injuring both police personnel and media workers. The violence resulted in nine arrests, while Baksa Senior Superintendent of Police Ujjal Pratim Baruah confirmed that more suspects had been identified.
Meanwhile, two other individuals — Zubeen’s band members Shekharjyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta — were also arrested in connection with the case. They were remanded to judicial custody the following day and sent to Haflong prison in Dima Hasao district.
The death of Zubeen Garg last month shocked the entire Northeast, leaving behind countless unanswered questions and a wave of grief. His passing sparked widespread public outrage and calls for justice from fans, musicians, and cultural bodies across Assam.
Zubeen, who was known for his soulful voice and iconic songs like Ya Ali and Maya, was more than just a musician — he was a cultural figure deeply loved by people of all ages. His sudden death has since triggered a high-profile investigation, with police teams examining multiple angles including professional and personal links.
