GUWAHATI, Oct 2: Singapore-based Assamese Tanmoy Phukan, who has appeared before both the fast-track court and the one-member judicial commission probing singer Zubeen Garg’s death, said the complete truth about the incident must emerge through the legal proceedings.
Speaking to reporters after appearing before the commission on Thursday night, Phukan said he had answered all questions put to him and provided details of the events surrounding Garg’s trip to Singapore.
“I said whatever I was asked, after giving it due thought and consideration,” Phukan said. He said the commission had questioned him in detail about the incident and that he had given an account of events from Garg’s arrival in Singapore until the incident.
Phukan said he had appeared before the court for four days and the judicial commission for three days. He said he had provided all details before the court and would continue to cooperate with the proceedings.
Asked about the commission’s findings, Phukan said people would have to wait for the final outcome. He also said there was no mystery from his side regarding the incident and that the court would determine whether there had been any negligence.
“The incident happened before my eyes. It is very sad. I have listened to his songs. He was an idol to me,” he said, describing Garg’s death as deeply distressing.
Phukan said Garg had previously visited Singapore in 2016 and 2024 and had a significant following among the Assamese diaspora there. He said he did not know Shyamkanu Mahanta and had no knowledge of the North East Festival. He added that he met Siddhartha Sharma for the first time in connection with the Singapore events.
“I do not know who gave Zubeen Garg control at the yacht party,” Phukan said, adding that the party had been organised because of Garg.
Phukan also said he had received emergency medical treatment following the incident and claimed that he was not allowed to go to hospital at the time. He said he met Amritprabha for the first time during the Singapore events, while he had known Shekhar Goswami and Partha Goswami since 2016.
He said he had been living in Singapore for 30 years and had returned to Assam at his own expense to participate in the proceedings. “We have come to Assam at our own expense. We have not come at any government expense. We have come because we are emotionally connected to the incident,” he said.
Phukan said he was speaking publicly to address what he described as misconceptions surrounding the case. He expressed hope that the legal proceedings would establish what happened and that those found responsible would face punishment.
“The truth must come out. The guilty must be punished,” he said.
