After singer Zubeen Garg’s untimely demise, the investigation into his death has taken a significant turn. A court in Guwahati has decided to place his bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and fellow singer Amritprava Mahanta in police custody for 14 days. Both individuals were present at the yacht party where Garg passed away on September 19 at Lazarus Island. They were apprehended after extensive questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Assam Police.
Authorities mentioned that incriminating evidence was discovered against the duo, leading to their arrest for further interrogation. This development brings the total number of individuals held in connection with the case to four. Previously, Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma and festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta were detained in Delhi. Initially charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and criminal conspiracy, they now face additional accusations under Section 103 of the BNS, related to murder.
The investigation, spearheaded by Special DGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta, is progressing on multiple fronts. Garg, a revered cultural figure in Assam, tragically passed away while swimming in the sea during his visit to Singapore for the Northeast India Festival. His sudden demise sparked widespread protests and numerous FIRs across Assam, prompting demands for a thorough inquiry. While Singaporean authorities cited drowning in their initial autopsy report, a second post-mortem was conducted in Guwahati amid suspicions of foul play, with pending results from the Central Forensic Laboratory in Delhi.
In a bid to facilitate cooperation, the Union government has invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore. Assam Police has issued notices through the Indian High Commission to individuals associated with the Assam Association Singapore and others present at the event. Additionally, reports indicate that two officers are poised to travel to Singapore upon clearance to gather additional evidence.
The evolving investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death continues to garner attention and scrutiny, as authorities work diligently to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident.