GUWAHATI: Plamee Borthakur, sister of iconic Assamese artist Zubeen Garg, has issued an emotional and strongly worded statement on social media, condemning what she described as sustained character assassination, malicious rumours and public vilification targeting her brother and his wife, Garima Garg. Saying that the situation had crossed all limits, Borthakur stated that she was compelled to speak out as the relentless criticism had taken a serious toll on Garima Garg’s health.
In her post, Borthakur questioned the intent of those spreading narratives against the family, describing their actions as “masked cruelty” carried out under the pretence of friendship and fandom. She asserted that the ongoing gossip and public condemnation have nothing to do with justice, stressing that truth and accountability cannot emerge from speculation or mob judgment. Declaring that “our fight is a fight for justice,” she said Zubeen Garg’s legacy should never be reduced to comparisons or conjecture, but remembered for the courage, humanity and values he gave to Assam.
Addressing widespread claims that Garima Garg was “satisfied” with the chargesheet in the case, Borthakur categorically rejected the interpretation. She clarified that Garima had only expressed satisfaction with the legal sections and sub-sections applied against the main accused, and not with the chargesheet itself. According to her, the family has neither formally received nor reviewed the chargesheet, making any talk of satisfaction or dissatisfaction premature.
She reiterated that the family has complete faith in the Special Investigation Team, the Chief Minister and the judiciary, and remains resolute in its pursuit of justice. Explaining why Garima Garg did not file a separate FIR in Singapore, Borthakur said the case is already being pursued by the government on behalf of the family and the people of Assam, both in India and abroad. She added that parallel investigations could lead to conflicting narratives without aiding the cause of justice, noting that earlier reports submitted by Singapore Police were identical.
Borthakur also expressed anguish over what she termed a lack of cooperation from certain Assam-origin individuals based in Singapore who were present with Zubeen Garg at the time of his death. She questioned why they failed to return to Assam to assist the investigation despite repeated appeals from the SIT and the Chief Minister. Referring to media interactions, she singled out one individual, Abhimanyu Talukdar, alleging that his behaviour before cameras showed disturbing insensitivity. She questioned whether the death of a celebrated artist was a matter for amusement, calling such conduct arrogant and deeply troubling.
In a strong appeal to the public and the media, Borthakur urged restraint, cautioning against declaring any accused innocent before due process is complete. She emphasised that guilt or innocence can only be established by a court of law, based on facts and evidence, and not through public opinion.
Reflecting on the personal cost of the tragedy, she wrote that being Zubeen Garg’s sister or spouse carries immense emotional weight, and that the pain of the past three months has only deepened. While life may have returned to normal for many, she said her family’s world came to a halt on a single, irreversible day.
Describing Zubeen Garg as a blessing to Assam, Borthakur appealed to people to honour his memory through creativity, humanity and values, rather than politics or sensationalism. She concluded by stating that the call for “Justice for Zubeen Garg” should come only from genuine admirers, and not from those hiding behind false concern or manufactured outrage.
