Singapore Authorities Rule Out Foul Play
Earlier, a Singapore hospital issued a death certificate citing drowning as the official cause of death. Authorities in Singapore initially ruled out foul play, but the Assam Police launched an independent probe back home amid suspicions raised by fans and family.
Assam Police Arrest Four, Add Murder Charge
The investigation in India has taken a dramatic turn. The Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police has so far arrested four people in connection with the case. Those in custody include Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, co-musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, and co-singer Amritprava Mahanta.
The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of Kamrup (Metro) district sent Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddharth Sharma to 14 days of police custody earlier this week. On Thursday, co-musician Goswami and co-singer Mahanta were also remanded to 14 days of custody. The CID has now invoked a murder charge under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, intensifying the probe.
Nation Mourns Loss of a Cultural Icon
News of Zubeen Garg’s death triggered an outpouring of grief across Assam and India. Fans, politicians, and fellow musicians paid tribute to the singer, known for his versatile voice and contributions to Assamese, Hindi, and Bengali music. Garg’s sudden demise has left a deep void in India’s cultural and entertainment landscape.
His fans have demanded a transparent investigation to bring clarity and justice. The controversy has also reignited conversations around safety standards at international events featuring Indian performers.
Next Steps in Investigation
While Singapore authorities continue their own inquiries, the Assam CID’s parallel probe is expected to uncover more details. The inclusion of murder charges indicates that investigators are pursuing leads that contradict the initial finding of accidental drowning.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been closely coordinating with Singapore authorities. Updates on the case will likely emerge in the coming weeks as both jurisdictions complete their respective investigations.
