Shyamkanu Mahanta Moves SC Citing ‘Witch-Hunt’ in Zubeen Garg Death Case, Seeks Protection of Rights

Assam-based entrepreneur and cultural activist Shyamkanu Mahanta, who has come under sharp scrutiny in connection with the death of iconic singer Zubeen Garg, on Friday approached the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeking protection of his fundamental rights.

Mahanta filed the writ petition on September 30 from Singapore, where he was overseeing preparations for an international cultural festival. The move is being seen as a preemptive legal safeguard before his return to India, as investigations by Assam Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) continue into the circumstances surrounding Garg’s demise.

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In his plea, Mahanta described himself as the target of a “well-calculated witch-hunt,” alleging that sections of the media have run “irresponsible and false narratives” linking him to Zubeen’s death. He claimed that he has been subjected to a “media trial” and “large-scale public hatred,” without any substantive basis.

“The Petitioner seeks to invoke the extraordinary writ jurisdiction of this Hon’ble Court as the sentinel on the qui vive to protect his life, limb and personal liberty,” the petition stated.

Mahanta has maintained that allegations against him are “ludicrous,” pointing out that he was in Singapore on September 19, 2025, the very day of Garg’s passing, engaged in festival preparations. He further said that he had last met the singer on September 17, two days before the incident, and was therefore not present with him on the crucial date.

The petition also raises concern over what Mahanta termed “prejudicial conduct” by senior Assam government officials. According to him, certain functionaries made derogatory remarks about him on their official social media accounts while the probe was ongoing, which, he argued, compromises the neutrality of the investigation.

“Such prejudicial public remarks… are bound to further influence the ongoing investigation being carried out by the SIT formed by Respondent No. 2 itself,” the plea contended.

Mahanta further asserted that media speculation, coupled with official commentary, has irreparably damaged his reputation and undermined his fundamental right to life and liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Zubeen Garg, one of Assam’s most beloved cultural icons, passed away in Singapore on September 19 under circumstances that triggered shock and widespread speculation. His sudden demise prompted the Assam government to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the events leading to his death.

Several close associates and acquaintances of the singer, including Mahanta, have come under scrutiny as investigators piece together his final days. The SIT has already made a series of arrests and issued notices to individuals believed to have been present or aware of the events in Singapore.