Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday made a startling claim that cultural icon Zubeen Garg was murdered in Singapore, even as the official investigation into his mysterious death continues.
The beloved Assamese singer, composer, and actor died on September 19 while swimming in the sea off Singapore. Garg had travelled to the island nation to attend the 4th North East India Festival (NEIF).
Speaking to reporters, Sarma stated that the government is treating the case as a murder, not an accidental drowning.
“I am not terming it an accident. The charge-sheet in Zubeen Garg’s murder case needs to be submitted by December 17. I have set a target to submit it by December 8. We are ready now,” said the Chief Minister.
However, Sarma refrained from revealing details of the evidence or findings that support the murder claim.
Zubeen Garg death: The probe so far
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Assam Police is leading the probe after more than 60 FIRs were filed across the state.
Sarma explained that since the death occurred abroad, approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is required before filing the charge-sheet.
“If any incident takes place abroad, an approval is required from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Yesterday, I met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to get an approval soon. The SIT will write to the MHA in the next three to four days,” Sarma said.
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He added that the charge-sheet would be filed once the necessary clearance is obtained.
Police have arrested seven individuals in connection with the case, including the event’s organisers, associates, and Zubeen Garg’s personal security officers.
Those apprehended include:
Shyamkanu Mahanta, chief organiser of NEIF
Siddharth Sharma, Garg’s manager
Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amrit Prabha Mahanta, band members
DSP Sandipan Garg, the singer’s cousin
Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya, Garg’s PSOs
Police discovered financial transactions worth over ₹1.1 crore from the accounts of the PSOs.
All seven are currently in judicial custody and have been charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence.
Meanwhile, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) is conducting an independent investigation into the incident.
In a statement on October 17, the SPF said: “Preliminary investigations have not indicated any foul play in Garg’s death.”
However, the Singapore police added that the final report could take up to three months, after which findings will be presented to the state coroner for further proceedings.
Zubeen Garg, one of the most revered voices from Assam, was known for timeless hits such as Ya Ali and Mayabini. His sudden death shocked millions of fans across India’s northeast and beyond.
The state government’s ongoing pursuit of justice reflects the widespread public sentiment that his death deserves a transparent and conclusive investigation.
