Guwahati: Parikshit Sarma, one of 11 Assamese NRIs in Singapore summoned by Assam Police in connection with singer Zubeen Garg’s death, appeared before a fast-track court on Wednesday and Thursday to record his statement in the case.The fast-track court, constituted in March, framed charges against seven accused in May. The accused are North East India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeen’s manager Shiddarth Sharma, bandmate Shekharjyoti Goswami, co-singer Amritprabha Mahanta, cousin Sandipon Garg and his two personal security officers, Nandeswar Borah and Paresh Baishya.Zubeen, who had travelled to Singapore on Sept 17 last year to participate in the festival scheduled for Sept 20, died while swimming in the sea on Sept 19.Sarma, who had received the summons on Aug 25, was among those present on the yacht when the singer died. He is the first among the 11 Assamese NRIs to testify in the court.Speaking to reporters outside the court, Sarma said several people who were in Singapore at the time of Zubeen’s death were waiting for an opportunity to record their statements before the court. “Everyone has their own perspective. They will give their respective statements before the court. The 11 of us who were in Singapore are restless and wondering when we can come forward, give our statements and complete the process,” Sarma said.“My witness statement has just been completed, and the advocate for the accused also cross-examined me. I have placed my truth before the court. If my truth helps even one per cent in getting justice for Zubeen Garg, I will feel grateful,” he added.However, Sarma declined to disclose the details of the incident, citing the ongoing trial and his role as a witness.Sarma said he had earlier appeared before investigating officers in Oct last year and recorded his statement before the one-member judicial commission on Wednesday. He travelled to India on Sept 2 for his latest appearance.Urging people to have faith in the judicial process, Sarma said the court’s verdict would establish the sequence of events surrounding Zubeen’s death. “The verdict of the court will be a public document, and that will establish the actual sequence of events. People should keep faith in the justice system,” he said.Urging people to have faith in the judicial process, Sarma said the court’s verdict would establish the sequence of events surrounding Zubeen’s death.Speaking about what Zubeen meant to those who were with him in Singapore, Sarma said, “How would I explain what Zubeen meant to us? I cannot properly explain it. Even if my testimony helps by 5%, I will be grateful.” He refused to speak further about the incident, saying the matter was sub judice.
