More than three weeks after the sudden death of celebrated Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore, the case remains shrouded in mystery. What was initially reported as an accidental drowning has now triggered a full-fledged criminal investigation in Assam, with police exploring the possibility of foul play.

Zubeen Garg, one of Northeast India’s most beloved musicians, died on September 19 in Singapore—just a day before his scheduled performance at the Northeast India Festival. According to Singapore’s death certificate, the cause of death was drowning. However, growing suspicions among fans and family led to a second postmortem at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) after the body was flown back to Assam on September 22.

SIT and CID Join Hands

Following widespread public demand for clarity, the Assam government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to probe all possible angles—ranging from negligence to conspiracy.
A criminal case has been registered under charges of murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence.

Arrests So Far

The investigation has led to seven arrests, including several of Zubeen’s close associates:

• Shyamkanu Mahanta, event organiser of the Singapore show

• Siddharth Sharma, Zubeen’s manager

• Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, the singer’s bandmate

• Amritprabha Mahant, co-vocalist

• Sandipan Garg, Zubeen’s cousin and APS officer (currently suspended)

• Two personal security officers — Nandeshwar Bora and Paresh Baishya — were detained after investigators found transactions worth over ₹1 crore in their bank accounts.

Authorities suspect the money may be linked to the events surrounding Zubeen’s final days in Singapore.

Forensic Twist: Viscera Report Holds the Key

The viscera samples collected during the GMCH postmortem were examined at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Delhi. The final report, which is said to contain crucial toxicology findings, has been handed over to the CID but has not yet been made public.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that the forensic report has provided a “definite lead” in the investigation and will be presented before the court soon. The findings are expected to reveal whether Zubeen’s death was purely accidental or the result of poisoning or foul play.

Witness Statements and International Cooperation

The SIT has recorded statements from several individuals, including co-singer Shatabdi Bora and two Assamese expatriates who were present in Singapore at the time of the incident. Bora expressed confidence that the truth would emerge soon, saying, “The people of Assam are eager to know what really happened. I believe justice will be served.”

Investigators plan to travel to Singapore after receiving necessary approvals to collect more evidence and question witnesses abroad.

90-Day Deadline for Final Report

According to M.P. Gupta, Special DGP (CID) and head of the 10-member SIT, the team aims to complete its investigation within 90 days.
He said, “All efforts are underway to finish the probe quickly. We are working round the clock to ensure justice for Zubeen Garg.”

What Lies Ahead

Despite multiple arrests and a high-profile probe, the exact cause of Zubeen Garg’s death remains unresolved. The investigation now hinges on the viscera report and forensic evidence, which could determine whether the singer’s tragic death was a tragic accident or a calculated crime.