Guwahati: Garima Saikia Garg, wife of late singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, has described the circumstances surrounding his death as “mysterious” and demanded a proper investigation into the events leading up to his final moments.
Speaking to reporters after the completion of the 11th-day rituals on Monday, Garima expressed deep concern over unanswered questions.
“What actually happened to Zubeen Garg, we don’t know. How it happened is still a mystery. We need answers. He was the victim of negligence, that much is certain. But why was a person like him neglected? We want all the answers. I have faith in the investigation,” she said.
“He Was Like a God to Me”
Garima described Zubeen not only as a public figure but as her personal pillar of strength.
“He was like a God to me, as he was to his fans. He always boosted my morale with his words. When he was alive, people often misunderstood him. But he used to say that people would understand his words 10 years later.”
She recalled his vision of “Bor Axom” where people of all faiths and communities could live peacefully:
“Humanity must survive. Today, everyone is coming together for Zubeen, so I appeal to all to live peacefully.”
Questions Over Yacht Party in Singapore
Garima revealed she last spoke to her husband on September 18, but he never mentioned attending any yacht party during his Singapore trip for the North East India Festival.
“If he had known, he would have definitely told me. He didn’t know about the yacht party. I hope the investigation will look into this and give us answers.”
She also confirmed Zubeen had a known medical condition and relied on prescribed medicine for seizures.
“He took only one medicine. I gave the medicines to him, and his manager also knew it. He had seizure attacks and had to take the medicine on time.”
Negligence Allegations
Garima questioned why those accompanying him on the yacht failed to act promptly:
“Why did they not lift him from the water when they knew he was not in a condition to swim? They could have done so. It was very easy to distract him.”
She named manager Siddhartha Sharma, musician Shekhar Goswami, and members of the Assam Association as being present during his final moments.
“It is clear from the video that he was exhausted. The responsibility was on those with him to bring him out of the water immediately.”
She further stressed that Siddhartha Sharma was fully aware of Zubeen’s medical restrictions.
“He should not have gone near water or fire, as it could trigger seizures. His manager knew this.”
Criticism of Festival Organisers
Garima also criticised Shyamkanu Mahanta, chief organiser of the festival.
“I have nothing personal to say against him, but he certainly had a responsibility. Zubeen had gone there to attend a festival organised by him. He called Zubeen his friend, but I cannot understand how he could take an artist like him without providing medical assistance, security, or proper arrangements for his stay and food. He did nothing for Zubeen.”
Family Circumstances
Explaining why she did not travel with him, Garima said:
“Both his father and my parents were unwell, and some of the people who were looking after them were on leave. I had to sort these issues before Durga Puja, as Zubeen’s festival shows were to begin after his return. I had planned to accompany him then.”
She added the family had not yet received Zubeen’s mobile phone, which could provide vital clues.
On whether he was taking his medicines properly, Garima said:
“He has been taking only one medicine since August 2024 after a seizure attack. I always made sure his medicines were available in the house, car, or studio.”