In a stunning revelation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday claimed that celebrated singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg was murdered in Singapore, contradicting earlier reports of accidental drowning. Garg, one of the Northeast’s most beloved artists, died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea on September 19. He was in Singapore to attend the 4th edition of the North East India Festival (NEIF).
“I am not terming it an accident. The charge-sheet in Zubeen Garg’s murder case needs to be submitted by December 17. I have set a target to submit it by December 8. We are ready now,” Sarma told reporters.
The Chief Minister, however, did not disclose specific details or evidence supporting the claim that the singer’s death was a case of murder.
SIT-Led Probe Underway
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police is leading the investigation through a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The probe was launched after over 60 FIRs were filed across the state by fans and well-wishers demanding justice for the late singer.
Sarma explained that since the incident took place abroad, formal permission from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is required before filing a chargesheet.
“If any incident takes place abroad, an approval is required from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Yesterday, I met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to get approval soon,” he said.
The SIT is expected to send a request to the MHA within the next three to four days, after which the chargesheet will be filed.
Seven Arrested in Connection with Garg’s Death
The police have made seven arrests in connection with the case so far, including individuals from Garg’s professional and personal circle. Those apprehended include:
- Shyamkanu Mahanta, chief organiser of the North East India Festival (NEIF)
- Siddharth Sharma, Zubeen Garg’s manager
- Band members Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amrit Prabha Mahanta
- Sandipan Garg, Zubeen’s cousin and a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Assam
- Garg’s personal security officers (PSOs) Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya
All seven accused are in judicial custody and face multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence.
Investigators discovered financial transactions worth over ₹1.1 crore in the accounts of the two PSOs, which reportedly raised suspicions of foul play.
Singapore Police Conducting Parallel Investigation
Meanwhile, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has been conducting its own independent investigation into Garg’s death. In an official statement issued on October 17, the SPF said preliminary findings have not indicated any foul play.
The agency noted that a detailed investigation could take up to three more months, after which the findings will be submitted to the State Coroner for further proceedings.
“Preliminary investigations have not indicated any foul play,” the SPF said, adding that all evidence is being carefully examined before a final report is prepared.
No Assam Government Funds for NEIF, Says CM
When asked whether the Assam government had funded the North East India Festival that Zubeen was attending, Sarma clarified that no financial assistance had been provided to the event’s organisers.
“No funds have been released from the Assam government to NEIF,” he said.
A Cultural Void in Assam
Zubeen Garg’s death has left an emotional void across Assam and the wider Northeast region. Known for chart-toppers like Ya Ali, O Aaa, and hundreds of Assamese songs, Garg was more than a musician—he was a cultural symbol and an advocate for Assamese identity and youth empowerment.
Fans have continued to demand a transparent investigation, with candlelight vigils and tribute concerts held across Assam since his passing.