Guwahati, Jan 1: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on New Year’s Day expressed deep sorrow over the death of celebrated singer and composer Zubeen Garg, calling it an irreparable loss to Assam’s cultural identity and artistic legacy. Paying tribute to the music icon, Sarma said Garg’s contribution to Assamese music and culture would remain unmatched and remembered for generations.
Addressing the issue of legal accountability, the Chief Minister announced a series of measures aimed at ensuring a swift and transparent judicial process related to the case. He said the state government would appoint a Special Public Prosecutor on January 12, assisted by a team of three to four experienced criminal lawyers. In addition, the government will move the Gauhati High Court seeking the constitution of a dedicated special court to exclusively hear the case, with the objective of expediting the proceedings.
Sarma commended the Special Investigation Team for filing the chargesheet without delay and stressed that the government’s actions would strictly adhere to established legal procedures. Reiterating the administration’s commitment, he said ensuring justice was a responsibility owed both to the late artiste and to the people of Assam.
Zubeen Garg passed away on September 19, 2025, while in Singapore, a day before he was scheduled to perform at a cultural event. According to police accounts, Garg encountered trouble while swimming in the sea near Singapore’s island coast. He reportedly sought help near St John’s Island and was later found unconscious. He was taken to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Meanwhile, Singapore authorities are set to conduct a coroner’s inquiry into Garg’s death. Local media reports said the inquiry will begin on January 14, 2026, to examine the circumstances surrounding the demise of the renowned Indian singer-songwriter, who was widely regarded as one of Assam’s most influential cultural figures.
