The investigation into the mysterious death of renowned Assamese vocalist Zubeen Garg has reached a crucial stage, as Singapore authorities have confirmed India’s request for legal assistance in the matter. Special DGP of Assam, MP Gupta, who leads the Special Investigation Team (SIT) handling the case, revealed that the Attorney-General’s Office of Singapore will now evaluate India’s request, marking a significant breakthrough for the investigation team looking into various leads surrounding Garg’s final days in Singapore.
Gupta mentioned that the SIT has escalated its inquiry into the international connections related to the case, issuing a second notice to ten Singapore-based Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who have not yet appeared for questioning despite previous summons. The SIT is actively collaborating with multiple agencies to trace communications, financial transactions, and travel histories of individuals who were in contact with the singer prior to his demise.
Simultaneously, the awaited viscera report of Zubeen Garg from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) has been submitted to a medical panel at Guwahati Medical College for the preparation of the final post-mortem report, expected to play a pivotal role in determining the exact cause of his death. Gupta stated that upon receiving the final post-mortem report, it will be presented in court, emphasizing that both domestic and international aspects of the case are actively being pursued.
In a linked development, the CID team has apprehended two of Garg’s personal security officers, bringing the total arrests in the case to five individuals. Those already in custody include Zubeen’s cousin Sandipan Garg, his manager Siddhartha Sharma, musician Shekharjyoti Goswami, singer Amritprava Mahanta, and North East India Festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta. Numerous FIRs have been lodged against some of the accused across the state, leading the Assam Chief Minister to instruct the DGP to consolidate all FIRs and transfer the investigation to the CID, which subsequently formed the SIT.
Zubeen Garg, aged 52, passed away on September 19 in Singapore, where he was scheduled to perform at the North East India Festival. While reports indicate he was swimming in the sea at the time of the incident, unanswered questions have triggered speculations of potential foul play, causing shock and sorrow among the Assam community and the broader Assamese diaspora, prompting calls for a thorough and transparent investigation.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma credited the BJP government for the expeditious progress in the probe, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring justice for Zubeen Garg. Sarma assured that the charge sheet would be filed within the mandated three months, affirming that all suspects have been apprehended and the investigation is proceeding as anticipated.
Amidst political debates, Sarma took aim at the Congress, asserting that the BJP swiftly acted to ensure justice, contrasting it with alleged delays during the Congress administration, particularly in the aftermath of Bhupen Hazarika’s death. Sarma highlighted the government’s dedicated efforts towards the case and expressed confidence in the public’s recognition of their endeavors.