GUWAHATI: When the reports of the death of Zubeen Garg came, it was seen as a tragedy for the people of Assam and for the Indian music fraternity at large. But, just two weeks later, the death case has blown into a full-scale murder case with four people already arrested and allegations that leave his fans in shock.
What happened on September 19?
On that day, reports emerged that the singer had passed away in Singapore while participating in water sports-related activities. Initially, it was reported to be a scuba diving accident and later paragliding, which suggested that the singer had drowned while doing one of these activities.
However, within hours, videos of Zubeen Garg being led to the sea started to surface, along with him being with some friends on a yacht. This led to his family members and the public questioning how he was led to such a spot without any medical supervision, knowing full well that he had an episode of seizures.
The outcry and the tragedy
Zubeen Garg’s body was flown into Guwahati on the night of September 21 and on September 22, the mortal remains reached Guwahati with lakhs of people waiting on the road just to get a glimpse. Thousands of people cried and visited the Sarusajai stadium in Guwahati, where his mortal remains were kept for the next two days. After two days, thousands visited his cremation site in Sonapur, which will now be converted into a memorial. Besides, people demanded a thorough investigation on the matter.
THE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
The Assam government responded with the formation of the SIT probe and the case being handed over to the iser of the Northeast Festival, investigating all angles. Two individuals, event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and Zubeen Garg’s manager, Siddharth Sarma, were arrested after they were brought in from the Delhi-NCR region, remanded to 14-day custody. Following their arrest, the SIT registered CID PS Case No. 18/2025 under Sections 61(2), 105, 106(1), and 1… in connection with the case.
OCTOBER 2: MORE ARRESTS AND MAJOR CHARGES
As per sources, Goswami alleged that Sharma had forcibly taken control of the yacht, causing it to wobble dangerously, and insisted on supplying drinks himself, refusing offers from others. During the fatal moments, he claimed Sharma was heard shouting “Jabo de, jabo de” (“let him go”) as Zubeen struggled in the water, a statement that has since sent shockwaves across Assam.
COURSE OF ACTION
The Assam government has already constituted the judicial commission under the leadership of Justice Soumitra Saikia. Justice Saikia is a sitting judge of the Gauhati High Court. Further, the SIT has already issued summons to the Assamese diaspora present in Singapore who were with Zubeen Garg when he was taken to the yacht and will interrogate all those linked to the matter.
