The trial of the seven individuals accused in the Zubeen Garg death case commenced in a Guwahati court on Monday, December 22, 2025. All seven accused appeared virtually before the Kamrup (Metro) District and Sessions Court.

The court, after examining the accused via video conferencing, has scheduled the next hearing for January 3, 2026. During this hearing, the court will consider framing charges against the accused. A senior lawyer stated that the court will ask the accused whether they plead guilty or will stand trial, either in person or virtually.

Zubeen Garg passed away on September 19 while swimming in the sea in Singapore, where he was attending the North East India Festival (NEIF). The circumstances surrounding his death were deemed mysterious, prompting an investigation.

The accused in the case include Shyamkanu Mahanta, the chief organiser of NEIF; Siddhartha Sharma, Zubeen Garg's secretary; Sandipan Garg, the singer's cousin; and Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya, two of Garg's personal security officers (PSOs). Musician Shekharjyoti Goswami and singer Amritprava Mahanta are also among the accused. At the hearing, Mahanta, Sharma, Sandipan Garg, Bora, and Baishya appeared from Baksa Jail. Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta were present online from Haflong Jail.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) that investigated the case filed a chargesheet before the Chief Judicial Magistrate on December 12, accusing Mahanta, Sharma, Goswami, and Amritprava of murder. Sandipan Garg, a suspended Assam Police officer and the singer's cousin, has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The two PSOs, Bora and Baishya, face charges of criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust for allegedly misappropriating funds or property entrusted to them.

Palmee Borthakur, Zubeen Garg's sister, was present in court during the hearing. She told reporters that the family has full faith in the judiciary.