CM Sarma cites HC order, says 160 witnesses did not name Amritprabha

Guwahati, Nov 6: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said that 160 witnesses had not named Amritprabha Mahanta before the court during proceedings in the Zubeen Garg death case, referring to an observation in the Gauhati High Court’s order granting her bail.

Speaking to reporters, Sarma said that statements made by witnesses before investigating agencies could differ from their testimonies in court.

“Justice Pranjal Das, in his judgment, observed that 160 witnesses had not taken Amritprabha’s name. The judgment is available on the High Court’s website. I am myself shocked. They had taken her name before us. People should question the witnesses,” the Chief Minister said.

He also referred to the testimony of a witness from the cultural fraternity, who had reportedly stated before the court that Zubeen was also at fault and should not have gone there.

“That person is from a cultural background. This morning, the Advocate General told me that the person who led a protest had stated in court that Zubeen was also at fault and should not have gone there. Witnesses say one thing in front of television cameras and something else in court,” Sarma said.

On questions being raised over the judicial process in the case, the Chief Minister said that questioning the functioning of the High Court and the Supreme Court was not a good sign, asserting that the State Government respected the judiciary and its decisions.

“If we start questioning the Supreme Court, it shows that we do not respect it. The State Government respects both the High Court and the Supreme Court. Those questioning the process are trying to create obstacles and hinder the course of justice. Whether a decision is good or bad, we have to respect the court’s order,” he said.

Referring to an announcement he had made in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Sarma said there is no rule that whatever the Chief Minister says the Court will accept it.

“The High Court does not belong to the government. Those who raise such questions do not understand Indian democracy. A Chief Minister is part of the executive, while the High Court and the Supreme Court are part of the judiciary,” he said.

Sarma further said that around 150 witnesses were yet to be examined in the case.

He further stated that the state government would bring to the attention of the Supreme Court and Gauhati High Court the threats issued by a group to gherao his residence if the two prime accused in the Zubeen Garg death case are granted bail.

Addressing the press, the Chief Minister said that the threat issued by a group led by a legislator poses a “danger to my family” and and could amount to a direct attempt to murder”.

On the proceedings concerning accused Shyamkanu Mahanta, the Chief Minister said that the Supreme Court had not granted him bail and that the matter had been deferred until November 30.