Guwahati, Nov 18: The Union Home Ministry has granted approval under Section 208 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to allow legal proceedings against the accused in the death case of Assam singer Zubeen Garg. The decision was confirmed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday, enabling Assam Police to submit the charge sheet and move the case toward trial.

Section 208 of the BNSS requires central government sanction for courts in India to take up cases involving crimes committed abroad. Sarma described the sanction as a “crucial step forward” for the lawful progression of the investigation.

Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore on September 19 while attending the North East India Festival (NEIF). Following his cremation in Assam, multiple FIRs were registered, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the CID was formed to investigate the incident. Seven individuals, including NEIF organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and his manager Siddhartha Sharma, have been arrested in connection with the case.