Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday, 25 November, made a striking statement in the Assam Legislative Assembly, confirming that the death of singer and music icon Zubeen Garg has been categorised as murder based on ongoing investigations. Responding during a discussion in the Winter Session, Sarma urged political leaders and the public not to interfere with or cast doubts on the process while the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues its work.
Sarma said there was sufficient evidence to establish that the incident was not accidental. He stated that one person carried out the act while others assisted, and the police have already applied relevant murder charges. The Chief Minister added that four to five individuals have been booked in the case under sections related to murder and conspiracy.
Zubeen Garg, 52, died in Singapore on 19 September while swimming during a yacht trip linked to the North East India Festival. His sudden death triggered massive public outrage across Assam, resulting in more than 60 FIRs, protests, and widespread calls for transparency. In response, the state government formed an SIT under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. Additionally, a one-man inquiry panel headed by Justice Soumitra Saikia of the Gauhati High Court was constituted, with its deadline for collecting statements and evidence extended to 12 December.
Several individuals linked to the singer and the festival were arrested following the investigation. Those currently in judicial custody include festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, the singer’s manager Siddharth Sharma, band members Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amrit Prabha Mahanta, and Garg’s cousin Sandipan Garg, who is also a senior police officer. The singer’s security personnel, Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya, were also arrested after investigators found unexplained financial transactions amounting to over ₹1.1 crore in their bank accounts.
Sarma stressed that the SIT must be allowed to continue without political commentary or pressure, adding that criticism before the chargesheet is submitted may demoralise the investigators. He assured that the government is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and that the chargesheet will be filed once the investigation reaches its final stage.
