In a major development in the ongoing investigation into the death of celebrated artist Zubeen Garg, the Assam Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has added Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), effectively imposing murder charges against the two key accused – North East India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma.
The fresh charges come under CID Case Nos. 18/25 and 19/25, significantly tightening the legal framework around the case. Section 103 BNS, which corresponds to the earlier Section 302 IPC, prescribes punishment for murder, mandating either the death penalty or life imprisonment along with a fine for those convicted.
Earlier, several sections had been imposed against the duo, including BNS 61(2), 105, 106(1), 316(5), 336(5), 337, 338, 339, 340(2), 341(1) and 342(1). These primarily related to negligence and acts endangering life. The addition of Section 103 marks a significant shift in the investigation, indicating that the authorities may have found evidence pointing to greater culpability.
52-year-old Garg had travelled to Singapore to perform at the Festival. However, an alleged “unplanned yacht party” turned tragic, leading to his drowning, as confirmed in his death certificate. The circumstances surrounding the incident sparked widespread outrage and suspicions, leading to the CID’s intensified probe.
Both accused – Mahanta and Sharma – were reportedly absconding for 13 days after the incident. They were eventually arrested in Delhi on October 1and produced before the court. The duo has since been remanded to 14-day police custody, where investigators are expected to interrogate them further in light of the newly imposed murder charges.
The imposition of Section 103 BNS drastically escalates the gravity of the case. While earlier charges left scope for lighter punishment if negligence was proven, the murder charge now places the accused in a position where they face the harshest possible sentences under Indian criminal law.
