Guwahati (Assam) , Sep 24: The sudden demise of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg has sparked widespread outrage and grief, with the Assam government taking decisive action to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe Garg’s death, led by Additional Director General of Police (ADG) M P Gupta. The SIT will have full freedom to investigate the case with complete professional integrity.
Garg, 52, died on September 19, 2025, while swimming in the sea in Singapore, where he was attending the North East India Festival. The death certificate issued by the Singapore government cites “drowning” as the cause of death. However, questions remain about the circumstances leading to his demise, with allegations of negligence against event organizers and Garg’s manager.
The Assam government has constituted an SIT to investigate Garg’s death, with the team comprising senior officers of the Assam Police. Over 55 FIRs have been filed against four individuals, including North East India Festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg’s manager Siddhartha Sharma, drummer Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, and businessman Sanjive Naraine.
A second autopsy was conducted at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on September 23, amid public demand for transparency and clarity on the circumstances surrounding Garg’s death. The viscera samples will be sent to the Central Forensic Laboratory (CFL) in Delhi for detailed examination.
Zubeen Garg’s death has raised several questions regarding the circumstances surrounding his demise. The claim about Zubeen Garg LLP being a partnership between his manager, Siddharth Sharma, and another person, potentially leaving his wife Garima Garg without a say in his assets, requires verification. However, it’s known that Sharma played a significant role in Garg’s career and was with him in Singapore. The Assamese Association in Singapore took Garg on a yacht outing without the festival organizers’ knowledge. During this trip, Garg was allowed to swim in the sea without a life jacket, despite being an epilepsy patient. This has sparked suspicion and scrutiny into the events leading up to his death.
The Assam CID has launched a comprehensive investigation into Garg’s death, naming North East India Festival organizer Shaymkanu Mahanta and Garg’s manager Siddhartha Sarma in the case. The investigation will delve into allegations of foul play, criminal conspiracy, and negligence.
Reports indicate Garg experienced breathing difficulties during a water activity, and despite receiving CPR and medical treatment, he was declared dead at Singapore General Hospital. The exact cause of death is still under investigation.
While there’s no confirmation on a police team visiting Singapore, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has spoken to the High Commissioner of Singapore, Simon Wong, requesting a detailed inquiry into Garg’s death. The Singapore authorities have assured cooperation in this matter.
The Assam government has also banned Shyamkanu Mahanta and his organization from holding any events or festivals in the state. Additionally, the government will not provide any financial grants, advertisements, or sponsorships to events associated with Mahanta. The state government has also requested the central government not to extend any financial assistance or sponsorship to Mahanta .
