Shyamkanu moves SC against HC bail denial

Guwahati: Shyamkanu Mahanta has moved Supreme Court, challenging Gauhati High Court’s order rejecting his bail plea in the Zubeen Garg death case.The petition is listed for hearing on June 23, as per the Supreme Court website.On May 29, the HC rejected Mahanta’s bail plea, citing the “risk of fleeing, tampering evidence and influencing witnesses if released”.Mahanta’s bail plea was earlier rejected by the fast-track court of judge Sharmila Bhuyan on April 30 on the “risk of fleeing”, following which he approached the high court.After considering submissions and the material collected by the investigating officer, Justice Mitali Thakuria observed that “prima facie it is seen that in spite of full knowledge with regard to the health condition of the deceased Zubeen Garg, there was no proper safety arrangement or medical facilities for the deceased in spite of the fact that he was a patient of epilepsy.”The HC also took note of Mahanta’s conduct after the singer’s death, recording that he had fled to Malaysia immediately after Garg died while swimming in the sea in Singapore on Sept 19 last year.Garg had travelled to Singapore on Sept 17 last year and was scheduled to participate in the fourth edition of the North East India Festival on Sept 20.On May 26, the fast-track court framed charges against seven accused, including four charged with murder, in the case.

Mahanta faces charges of murder, criminal conspiracy, causing disappearance of evidence, extortion and cheating.On Monday, the CID’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted video footage related to Garg’s death before the fast-track court. The SIT appeared with several electronic devices and digital evidence.Special public prosecutor Z Kamar said the recording of evidence is progressing, with several witnesses already deposing before the court.