All seven individuals named in the investigation into singer Zubeen Garg’s alleged death appeared virtually before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of Kamrup (Metro) on Tuesday, following the submission of the charge-sheet last week. The next hearing is scheduled for December 22.

Garg reportedly died under mysterious circumstances while swimming at the North East India Festival (NEIF) in Singapore on September 19. An SIT formed by the Assam government filed the charge-sheet in CJM court on December 12.

NEIF chief organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg’s secretary Siddhartha Sharma, cousin Sandipan Garg, and two personal security officers—Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya—joined the hearing virtually from Baksa Jail. Musician Shekharjyoti Goswami and singer Amritprava Mahanta appeared from Haflong Jail, public prosecutor Prabhat Konwar said.

Although the CJM had ordered physical attendance post-charge-sheet, the SIT raised law-and-order concerns, prompting virtual appearance. Hard copies of the charge-sheet were submitted to jail authorities, and digital copies were shared with the accused’s families.

The charge-sheet names Mahanta, Sharma, Goswami, and Amritprava Mahanta in the murder case. Sandipan Garg faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while the personal security officers are accused of criminal conspiracy and breach of trust over alleged fund misappropriation. Advocate Dhrubajyoti Das will represent the accused after the local Bar Association declined involvement.