Guwahati : Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday launched a blistering attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that the chargesheet filed in the investigation of singer Zubeen Garg’s death amounts to “character assassination” rather than a pursuit of justice.

In a strongly-worded statement, Gogoi claimed the chief minister’s “sole purpose” was to damage Garg’s public image. “Zubeen da was Assam’s Kanchanjunga. We must not let Himanta Biswa Sarma harm Zubeen da’s legacy,” he wrote, suggesting that authorities might go to extreme lengths, including “blackmailing the family and supporters of late Zubeen Garg,” to further this objective.

The remarks come amid renewed controversy surrounding the case, after the special investigation team (SIT) lodged a complaint against Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi for allegedly circulating “unverified” documents on social media that purportedly formed part of the chargesheet. A senior official called such circulation “illegal,” warning it could “mislead the public and create confusion.”

The Sivasagar MLA allegedly shared documents detailing the charges against seven individuals implicated in Garg’s death. However, lawyers note that certified copies have yet to be released to the public, though the accused and their relatives have received them.

SIT investigating officer Rosie Kalita filed the complaint with the Crime Branch, which is now examining the matter before deciding on further action. Akhil Gogoi, who is reportedly severely ill, confirmed he would travel to Guwahati to face the case.

The nine-member SIT, led by Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta, submitted the chargesheet to the Kamrup (Metro) Chief Judicial Magistrate on December 12. Key charges include:

”               Murder: Garg’s secretary Siddhartha Sharma; festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta; band members Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta.

”               Culpable Homicide Not Amounting to Murder: Garg’s cousin, suspended Assam Police officer Sandipan Garg.

”               Criminal Conspiracy and Breach of Trust: Two personal security officers, Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya, over alleged misappropriation of funds or property.

Festival organiser Mahanta, who served as chief organiser of the North East India Festival in Singapore-attended by Garg shortly before his death on September 19-faces additional charges of extortion, cheating, and destruction of evidence. Garg’s secretary Sharma faces murder, criminal conspiracy, and criminal breach of trust charges, while band members Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta are accused of criminal breach of trust and destroying evidence.

All seven accused remain in custody, with five held at Baksa prison and Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta detained at Haflong jail.