Anita Deka Mahanta defends husband during bail hearing, questions claims of negligence
Guwahati: Amid ongoing legal proceedings in Guwahati, Anita Deka Mahanta has come out in strong defence of her husband, Shyamkanu Mahanta, asserting that he has been wrongly implicated in the case linked to the death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg.
Speaking to the media on April 22, she said Mahanta’s bail plea is currently under consideration in a fast-track sessions court and expressed hope for relief. She alleged that he has been “unjustly detained” for nearly seven months, stating, “He is behind bars despite having no involvement in the case.”
Rejecting accusations of negligence, Anita questioned their basis. “How can promoting regional culture on a global stage be seen as wrongdoing?” she asked, adding that her husband has consistently worked to represent Assam and the Northeast internationally.
Referring to Garg, she said the singer would have been “deeply saddened” by the situation. She also dismissed claims suggesting the artist had expressed distress before his death, stating, “He was an independent individual who made his own decisions.”
Clarifying the Singapore visit, she said it was meant to showcase the Northeast and was not linked to any personal arrangement. She further noted that Mahanta was nearly 50 km away, attending a meeting at the time, and had no knowledge of any alleged engagement.
Meanwhile, the court, presided over by Judge Sharmila Bhuyan, continues hearing the case. Senior advocate Pran Bora is expected to represent Mahanta. The bail plea of co-accused Siddharth Sharma has been deferred due to technical issues.
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