Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi has reacted to the case filed against him by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg and said that the investigation and the legal action against him were politically motivated and aimed at silencing criticism.
Zubeen Garg, a well-known singer and cultural icon in Assam, died in Singapore on September 19. He passed away during a yacht trip, just a day before he was scheduled to perform at the North East India Festival. His sudden death shocked fans across the region and raised many questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Akhil Gogoi said that he had not visited Zubeen’s residence to recreate the incident or to meet the investigating officer. He said he had only pointed out weaknesses in the chargesheet prepared by the SIT. According to him, those repeated criticisms prompted the team to file a case against him. 
He rejected suggestions that the complaint was filed by an individual. Gogoi claimed that the case was initiated under the instructions of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. “This is not a case by Rosie Kalita. It is a case initiated under the instructions of the Chief Minister,” he said.
Gogoi also highlighted what he called a contradictory position taken by some media houses. He pointed out that the chargesheet had been praised on the day of its release. Yet, when he raised questions about its contents, a case was filed against him. Gogoi said this indicated intolerance toward criticism of the investigation.
Gogoi said that he is not afraid of punishment or imprisonment. He said that if the law required him to spend months or even years in jail, he was prepared for it. “If I must spend six months in jail, I will. If I am sentenced to life imprisonment or even hanging, so be it. I am not someone who fears such consequences,” he said.
The MLA said that he was speaking in the interest of justice for Zubeen Garg. He said the chargesheet appeared to protect certain people involved in the case. He named Siddhartha Sharma, Shekharjyoti Goswami and Shyamkanu Mahanta, and alleged that they would remain in jail until the 2026 elections unless justice was served.
Speaking on jail conditions, Gogoi said he would need proper blankets and a comfortable mattress due to his age if he were imprisoned. He added that he has no desire for conflict but warned that he could respond strongly to foul treatment, saying, “I am good at heart, but if there is any foul play, I can respond vigorously.”
