Guwahati, September 25 – Amid mounting public concern and demands for a thorough investigation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday appealed for patience, assuring that justice would be delivered in the probe into the death of music icon Zubeen Garg. The Chief Minister’s comments come as the state government’s newly formed Special Investigation Team (SIT) begins its work on the high-profile case.
Zubeen Garg, a cultural phenomenon in Assam, died on September 19 in Singapore, where he was scheduled to perform at the North East India Festival. While Singaporean authorities issued a death certificate listing drowning as the cause, a massive public outcry and multiple FIRs alleging foul play and a conspiracy led to the formation of the SIT. The government also conducted a second autopsy at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital to address public suspicion.
Speaking to reporters, CM Sarma stated that the SIT, comprising some of the “best officers of Assam Police,” should be given time to conduct its investigation. “If the SIT fails to make headway and people in Assam remain dissatisfied, we will recommend a transfer of the investigation to the CBI,” he said.
The Chief Minister also addressed speculation regarding the late singer’s digital and personal accounts. He clarified that Garg’s wife, Garima Garg, had never approached the government seeking control over his social media handles or other assets. This statement comes amid a public dispute and allegations against Siddharth Sharma, the singer’s manager. A new twist in the case has emerged with reports that Sharma allegedly tried to transfer the singer’s SIM card into his name. While Garg’s wife has publicly defended Sharma, the SIT has reportedly arrested another individual, musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, for questioning. Siddharth Sharma, also named in multiple FIRs, remains untraceable.
The SIT, constituted by the state government for a comprehensive and transparent probe, is headed by Special DGP (CID) M.P. Gupta, with Rosie Kalita, SSP (CM Vigilance), appointed as the Chief Investigating Officer. The team has been mandated to work within strict timelines and ensure transparency at every stage of the enquiry. Sarma reassured the people of Assam that “no stone will be left unturned” in the probe, emphasizing that the team will work independently with complete professional integrity.
The case has drawn immense public attention, with fans across the state demanding a fair and transparent investigation. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has also been filed in the Gauhati High Court, seeking a CBI probe and court monitoring of the investigation. The High Court is scheduled to hear the plea on November 10. The state government has also blacklisted the organiser of the North East India Festival, Shyamkanu Mahanta, from receiving any state funding or sponsorship.
As the state mourns its beloved icon, the focus remains on the SIT to deliver on the Chief Minister’s promise of justice and to bring clarity to the circumstances surrounding Zubeen Garg’s untimely death.
Leave a comment