Sonapur | Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Gaurav Gogoi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Assam government over the investigation into singer Zubeen Garg’s death, alleging that the authorities had failed to deliver justice despite making strong public claims about the case.

During a visit to Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur, Gogoi questioned the government’s handling of the investigation and expressed concern over the delay in completing the memorial dedicated to the late singer, even a year after his death. Gogoi alleged that the government had failed to substantiate its claims before the court, despite assurances from the Chief Minister and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

“We have not seen any positive result in terms of justice for the singer,” Gogoi said, questioning why the allegations made during the investigation had not translated into what he described as tangible progress in court. He also challenged the Chief Minister to explain why the government had not been able to produce the evidence necessary to support its claims before the judiciary.

Gogoi questions government’s handling of the investigation

Taking his criticism further, Gogoi questioned the government’s priorities, alleging that it had demonstrated its ability to pursue evidence in other political matters but had failed to do enough in the case concerning Garg’s death. “I am struggling to understand here that the government who can bring proof from Pakistan against me, that government even after the Chief Minister giving his word, why couldn’t he provide proof. Why didn’t he use his power,” he said.

Gogoi also questioned why the state’s Advocate General had not been entrusted with a more prominent role in the case. Referring to the Advocate General’s alleged proximity to the Chief Minister and his position at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Congress leader sought an explanation for his absence from the legal proceedings.

The remarks formed part of Gogoi’s broader criticism of the government’s handling of the investigation. His allegations, however, were political claims and did not establish that the prosecution’s case had failed on its merits. Gogoi alleged that the handling of the case would remain a stain on Sarma’s political legacy and accused the ruling establishment of using the singer’s name for political gain.

Unfinished Zubeen Kshetra raises fresh questions

Apart from the investigation, Gogoi criticised the slow pace of work at Zubeen Kshetra, questioning why the memorial remained incomplete a year after the singer’s death. He contrasted the delay with government publicity highlighting the completion of flyovers and other infrastructure projects, arguing that the condition of the memorial reflected the government’s priorities.

“One year went by, still Zubeen Kshetra is incomplete. Currently, the public is sad with the justice process of Zubeen Garg. Standing with the people today, we came here,” Gogoi said. He added that the unfinished site raised questions about the government’s commitment to honouring the singer’s contribution to Assam’s cultural and social life.

Zubeen Garg, one of Assam’s most influential cultural figures, commanded a vast following across generations. His death triggered widespread grief across the state, alongside demands for a transparent investigation and accountability. Gogoi also alleged that some people close to the singer had exploited his popularity for commercial gain. Referring to Garg’s cultural and social contributions, he said the Congress would stand with the singer’s family and the people of Assam.

He maintained that his visit was intended to express solidarity with the public rather than to pursue a purely political agenda.

Bail orders put investigation under renewed scrutiny

The political controversy comes amid developments in the legal proceedings related to Garg’s death.

The Gauhati High Court recently granted bail to Sandipan Garg and Amritprava Mahanta, who are accused in connection with the case. Following the two bail orders, the SIT announced that it would approach the Supreme Court to challenge the relief granted to them.

The bail decisions have added a new dimension to the ongoing legal process, even as political parties continue to debate the government’s handling of the case. Bail, however, does not amount to an acquittal, and the allegations against the accused remain subject to judicial proceedings.

With Gogoi demanding greater accountability over both the investigation and the unfinished memorial, the Zubeen Garg case continues to remain a sensitive issue in Assam, drawing public attention to the pursuit of justice for the singer and the government’s responsibility to address concerns surrounding his death.