Guwahati, Dec 23: The trial of seven accused in connection with the death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg began on Monday at the Kamrup (Metro) District and Sessions Court in Guwahati, with all the accused appearing through video conferencing.

After examining the accused virtually, the court fixed January 3, 2026, as the next date of hearing for framing of charges. The court will then ask the accused whether they wish to plead guilty or face trial, either in person or through virtual mode, according to a senior lawyer associated with the case.

Zubeen Garg died under mysterious circumstances while swimming during the North East India Festival in Singapore on September 19. Those facing trial include NEIF chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, the singer’s manager Siddhartha Sharma, cousin Sandipan Garg, personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya, musician Shekharjyoti Goswami, and singer Amritprava Mahanta. Bora and Baishya appeared from Baksa Jail, while Goswami and Amritprava joined the proceedings from Haflong Jail.

Garg’s sister, Palmee Borthakur, was present during the hearing and stated that the family has full faith in the judicial process.

According to the chargesheet filed by the Special Investigation Team on December 12 before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mahanta, Sharma, Goswami and Amritprava have been charged with murder. Sandipan Garg has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while the two PSOs face charges of criminal conspiracy and breach of trust related to alleged misappropriation of funds.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate had committed the case to the sessions court after the first post-chargesheet hearing on December 16, which was also conducted virtually due to law-and-order considerations. Jail authorities had provided hard copies of the chargesheet to the accused, with pen drives handed over to their families. The family of the deceased has not yet received a certified copy of the chargesheet.

Advocate Dhrubajyoti Das is representing the accused through the District Legal Services Authority, while Amritprava Mahanta was represented by a separate counsel during the hearing.