Guwahati court on Monday ordered the unfreezing of the bank account of Shyamkanu Mahanta while directing that the flat of co-accused Siddhartha Sharma remain sealed in connection with the death case of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg.
The District and Sessions Judge granted relief to Mahanta after observing that the investigating agency had not complied with the mandatory procedural safeguards while freezing his bank account. The court noted lapses under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and held that the action could not be sustained in its present form.
During the hearing, the prosecution argued that the deficiencies were technical in nature. However, the court maintained that authorities remain free to take lawful action through proper legal channels if required.
In contrast, the court declined to grant similar relief to Sharma. It ordered that his apartment remain under attachment for a period of two years or until further orders, noting that he had failed to furnish the required bank guarantee. The court also directed Sharma to deposit a demand draft of ₹16 lakh with the CID as a condition for de-sealing the flat.
Investigators have alleged that Sharma diverted ₹16 lakh belonging to Garg and used the amount to purchase the apartment.
The court further directed the prosecution to supply a 16GB pen drive containing case materials to the defence within one week. A defence plea seeking access to the so-called “Singapore files” was rejected.
The matter has been posted for remand and charge hearing on March 13.
Reacting to the development, Garg’s wife Garima Saikia Garg expressed dissatisfaction with the order unfreezing Mahanta’s account, alleging that the defence was relying on technical grounds to delay proceedings.
The case continues to attract widespread public attention in Assam, with the state government having earlier approved the setting up of a dedicated fast-track court to ensure expeditious trial.
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