The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice on a bail plea filed by Shyamkanu Mahanta, one of the accused in the case concerning the drowning death of noted Assam-based musician Zubeen Garg‘s associate during a river festival event.

The matter arose from the death of Zubeen Garg in Singapore on September 19, 2025. Zubeen Garg, who was in Singapore in connection with the North East India Festival, died after a drowning incident during a yacht outing. Singapore authorities recorded the cause of death as drowning, but the incident subsequently triggered widespread controversy in Assam, leading to multiple FIRs, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, arrests, and later murder allegations against several accused, including festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta.

In today’s hearing, emphasising the absence of any apprehension that the petitioner would evade the process of law, counsel argued: “A person dies of drowning. No flight risk.”

The Vacation Bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notice on the special leave petition. Counsel appearing for the State accepted notice and requested time to place its stand on record. The Court thereafter directed that the matter be listed at the end of July for further consideration.