Guwahati, Apr 30: A fast-track court hearing the alleged murder case of Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg has ordered the freezing of bank accounts and attachment of a firm owned by his manager Siddharth Sharma.
The order was passed by Judge Sharmila Bhuyan after the prosecution presented documents alleging that funds were siphoned off from the singer and routed through multiple accounts linked to Sharma.
According to the court, the chief investigating officer submitted evidence indicating “siphoning, routing, cash whitening, and large bank deposits” inconsistent with Sharma’s known sources of income. The judge observed that the prosecution had established a strong prima facie case that deposits across six bank accounts were proceeds of crime.
“The accused failed to substantiate his denial by producing any documentary evidence, including income tax returns, to justify such substantial deposits in the accounts of himself and his family members,” the court noted.
The court further pointed out that Sharma could not provide proof for an investment of ₹1.10 crore in Mahavir Aqua from legitimate income sources.
Sharma is among the prime accused in the case. Garg’s death, which occurred while swimming in the sea, was initially reported as accidental. However, both the police and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have alleged foul play.
Following the incident, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Assam Police’s CID carried out an extensive probe and filed a chargesheet in December. The chargesheet names seven accused, including Shaymkanu Mahanta, organiser of the North East India Festival. Four of the accused have been charged with murder.
The case continues to be heard in the fast-track court.
