Guwahati: The Assam government will transfer Rs 2.90 crore—the state GST share earned from late singer Zubeen Garg’s final film Roi Roi Binale—to a foundation set up by the late singer, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
The film has grossed Rs 32 crore, a record for the Assamese film industry. The GST proceeds will be transferred to the Kalaguru Foundation, established by Garg, the chief minister said while interacting with the media at a New Year programme titled Natun Diner Alap (Conversations of a New Day).
The state government will also appoint a Special Public Prosecutor by January 12 to represent the case related to Garg’s death, Sarma said, adding that consultations with criminal law experts are underway and the appointment is expected to be announced by January 6.
In addition, the government will approach the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court seeking the constitution of a fast-track court to expedite the trial. “The decision rests with the High Court, but we will make the request,” the chief minister said.
Referring to the past year, Sarma said 2025 had been deeply distressing for the people of Assam, noting that Garg’s death and the developments that followed had shocked the state.
Zubeen Garg had travelled to Singapore to attend the North East India Festival, where he died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea on September 19.
Assam Police investigated the case and filed a charge sheet within three months. “Now we want justice to be delivered,” Sarma said. The trial of the seven accused began last month at the Kamrup (Metro) District and Sessions Court.
Those facing trial include North East India Festival chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg’s secretary Siddhartha Sharma, his cousin Sandipan Garg, and his two personal security officers, who appeared from Baksa Jail. Musician Shekharjyoti Goswami and singer Amritprava Mahanta appeared online from Haflong Jail.
ALSO READ: Assam cabinet approves Rs 455 cr for construction of 100 schools
According to the charge sheet filed before the Chief Judicial Magistrate on December 12, Mahanta, Sharma, Goswami and Amritprava have been charged with murder. Sandipan Garg, a suspended Assam Police officer, has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while the two PSOs have been accused of criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust involving misappropriation of entrusted funds or property.
