Gauhati HC rejects Siddhartha Sarma's bail plea again

The Gauhati High Court has rejected the bail plea of Siddhartha Sarma, one of the key accused in the alleged murder conspiracy linked to the death of Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg.

The order marks the second time Sarma has failed to secure bail. His earlier application was rejected by a Fast Track Court, which cited the seriousness of the allegations and the stage of the trial.

Sarma, who managed Zubeen Garg's professional affairs, is among seven persons charge-sheeted by the Assam CID's Special Investigation Team (SIT). The investigation alleges that the accused were part of a criminal conspiracy connected to the singer's death in Singapore in September 2025.

Zubeen Garg died on September 19, 2025, after drowning while swimming near Lazarus Island, a day before he was scheduled to perform at the North East International Festival. Singapore Police concluded there was no evidence of foul play and ruled the death an accidental drowning. However, following complaints from members of the singer's family, the Assam CID launched a parallel investigation, which later resulted in a chargesheet against seven accused.

The murder trial is currently underway before a Fast Track Court in Guwahati after charges were framed earlier this year. With the High Court's latest order, Sarma will continue to remain in judicial custody while the trial proceeds.

Separately, Sarma has also approached the High Court seeking permission to reopen his firm, Mahabir Aqua, and defreeze bank accounts attached during the investigation. He has further requested the court to take into consideration the findings of the Singapore authorities regarding Garg's death.