In a significant development in the Zubeen Garg murder case, the Kamrup Metropolitan District and Sessions Court on Monday ordered the unfreezing of accused Shyamkanu Mahanta’s bank account. The court cited procedural lapses by the prosecution, which is the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Assam Police.
The court observed that due procedure was not followed while freezing the account and that Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was not complied with.
The Kamrup Metropolitan District and Sessions Court has ordered the unfreezing of Shyamkanu Mahanta’s bank account in the Zubeen Garg murder case, citing procedural lapses by the Assam Police SIT and non-compliance with Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Court Observations on Freezing of Bank Account
During the hearing in Guwahati, the court noted that the prosecution failed to follow proper legal procedure before freezing the bank account.
The court specifically referred to non-compliance with Section 107 of the BNSS. Due to these legal inconsistencies, the account was ordered to be restored.
The order marks an important procedural intervention in the ongoing high-profile case being tried in Kamrup (Metro).
Singapore Documents Issue Raised
The matter of obtaining documents from Singapore in connection with the accused Siddharth Sharma was also discussed.
The court noted that the police had already collected several documents from Singapore and submitted them along with the chargesheet.
It clarified that under the BNSS, the court does not have the authority to directly summon documents from Singapore. If further documents are required, a formal request must be made by the Government of India.
Mahavir Aqua Investment Details
The hearing also touched upon the Mahavir Aqua case involving Siddharth Sharma.
According to the police report:
- Siddharth allegedly invested ₹1.1 crore in Mahavir Aqua.
- The company is a packaged drinking water business jointly owned by him and business partner Chetan Dhirachariya.
Police sources claim that during interrogation, Siddharth admitted that the investment was made using funds allegedly embezzled from Zubeen Garg’s income.
These claims are part of the prosecution’s case and are subject to judicial scrutiny.
Court’s Direction on Seized Flat
The court further ruled that Siddharth Sarma must deposit a bank demand draft of ₹16 lakh at the CID police station if he wishes to have his seized flat reopened.
Investigators have alleged that ₹16 lakh belonging to Zubeen Garg was misappropriated and used to purchase the flat.
The deposit condition has been set pending further proceedings.
Next Hearing Date
The Mahavir Aqua-related matter, along with the main case, is scheduled for hearing again on March 19 at the Kamrup Metropolitan court in Guwahati.
Legal proceedings are expected to continue as evidence and procedural compliance are examined.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
The case has drawn significant public attention in Guwahati, given its connection to prominent individuals and financial allegations.
The court’s observations regarding procedural lapses by the SIT may influence the direction of subsequent hearings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Shyamkanu Mahanta’s bank account unfrozen?
The court found that due procedure was not followed while freezing the account and cited non-compliance with Section 107 of the BNSS.
What is the next hearing date in the case?
The next hearing in the Mahavir Aqua matter and the main case is scheduled for March 19.