Palme Borthakur claims the defence tried to portray her late brother, Zubeen Garg, as an alcoholic during cross-examination, undermining his cultural contributions.
Shillong, India Jul 21, 2026 ALN: The judicial cross-examination of Palme Borthakur, sister of late cultural icon Zubeen Garg, concluded on Tuesday, with her alleging that the defence repeatedly attempted to portray the artiste as an alcoholic during the ongoing witness trial.
Speaking to the press after her examination, Borthakur expressed anguish over what she described as persistent attempts by the defence to portray Garg as a habitual alcohol consumer, while overlooking his contributions to Assamese culture and society. Zubeen Garg, who passed away earlier this year, was not only a prominent singer and actor but also a significant cultural figure in Assam, known for his philanthropic efforts and dedication to promoting Assamese heritage.
"What saddens me is that Zubeen Garg, who was not just my brother but a man who took Assam to the global stage, is being portrayed as an alcoholic in court. I don't understand this," she said. This statement underscores the emotional turmoil that Borthakur is experiencing as she navigates the legal proceedings surrounding her brother's death. The portrayal of Garg as an alcoholic, she argues, diminishes his legacy and the positive impact he had on the lives of many in Assam.
Questioning the basis of such claims, Borthakur said Garg's accomplishments over more than five decades stood in stark contrast to the image the defence was allegedly trying to project. She pointed out that Garg's extensive career in music, film, and social activism contradicts the narrative being constructed by the defence. "If that was the case, when did he find the time to write and compose songs? When did he work for Assamese cinema, help people, attend programmes and achieve everything he did in his 52 years?" she asked, emphasizing the incongruity of the defence's arguments.
She alleged that the defence was ignoring Garg's artistic legacy and social contributions in an attempt to establish a particular narrative before the court. The implications of such a narrative are profound, as they not only affect the legal proceedings but also have the potential to tarnish the reputation of a beloved figure in Assamese culture. "Leaving everything aside, they are trying very hard to establish that he was under the influence of alcohol 24 hours a day. That is extremely hurtful," she said, highlighting the emotional weight of the accusations.
Borthakur further claimed that the defence raised questions about Garg's personal life, including allegations that he rarely stayed at home and spent most of his time outside. This line of questioning, she argued, was an attempt to paint a picture of Garg that was not only inaccurate but also disrespectful to his memory. Borthakur said she found it difficult to reconcile such arguments with the fact that Garg had devoted much of his life to promoting Assam and its culture. Her brother's dedication to his work and his community was evident in his numerous contributions, from music to social initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized groups.
"My brother lost his life while working for Assam. The defence lawyers are Assamese too, but I have seen a different side of them during the proceedings. They say it is part of their profession," she remarked, indicating a sense of betrayal. The legal proceedings surrounding Garg's death have become a battleground not only for justice but also for the preservation of his legacy. Borthakur's comments reflect the tension between professional obligations and personal ethics in the legal arena.
According to Borthakur, some members of the defence team had even described themselves as among Garg's biggest admirers before beginning the cross-examination. This admission adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as it raises questions about the motivations behind the defence's tactics. If they genuinely admired Garg, why would they choose to undermine his character in such a public forum? This contradiction highlights the often conflicting interests at play in legal cases, particularly those involving public figures.
Describing the cross-examination as emotionally draining, Borthakur said she broke down several times as details surrounding her brother's death were repeatedly discussed in court. The emotional toll of reliving such traumatic experiences is significant, and it underscores the challenges faced by family members who seek justice for their loved ones. "There were several emotional and technical questions during the last four to five days of cross-examination. I broke down at times while remembering the incidents and seeing the accused in front of me. But I was able to control my emotions and stand by my statements and the evidence," she said, demonstrating her resilience in the face of adversity.
Asked whether she felt she had been emotionally manipulated during the questioning, Borthakur replied in the affirmative. "Definitely. I was speaking about my brother's murder. Certain questions were asked to trigger my emotions so that I would either be left speechless or unable to support my statements. But I successfully overcame that," she said. This admission points to a broader issue within the legal system, where the emotional vulnerability of witnesses can be exploited in order to achieve a desired outcome. Borthakur's experience raises important questions about the ethics of cross-examination techniques and the responsibilities of legal professionals to ensure that the dignity of witnesses is upheld.
She had earlier alleged that repeated questioning on personal and sensitive aspects of her brother's life appeared aimed at undermining her testimony. This tactic, while not uncommon in legal proceedings, can have lasting effects on the mental health and emotional well-being of those involved. The implications of such strategies extend beyond the courtroom, affecting the lives of individuals and families long after the legal battles have concluded.
The case surrounding Zubeen Garg's death is emblematic of the struggles faced by many families seeking justice for their loved ones. It highlights the intersection of personal grief and public scrutiny, as well as the complexities of navigating the legal system. As the trial progresses, the focus will likely remain on the legacy of Zubeen Garg and the impact of his life and work on Assamese culture. The ongoing discussions about his character and contributions serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving the narratives of those who have shaped our communities.
In conclusion, the ongoing witness trial and the allegations made by Palme Borthakur regarding the defence's tactics raise critical questions about the treatment of witnesses in the legal system and the ethical responsibilities of legal professionals. As the case unfolds, it will be essential to monitor how these issues are addressed in court and what implications they may have for future cases involving public figures and their families. The legacy of Zubeen Garg, a beloved cultural icon, remains at the forefront of this trial, as his sister continues to advocate for a narrative that honors his memory and contributions to society.
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