By Nava Thakuria*
Singer’s Death Sparks Outrage
Guwahati: Deep sorrow over the sudden death of Assam’s musical legend Zubeen Garg in Singapore has transformed into widespread outrage. Fans now believe foul play caused Zubeen’s tragic end during a yacht outing in the Southeast Asian city-state. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Aabhijeet Sharma and Palash Ranjan Baruah at the Gauhati High Court demands a credible probe into Zubeen’s death and related irregularities. The court will hear the case on November 10, 2025.
The devastating news on September 19, 2025, shocked Assam’s 3.3 million people. Guwahati became a sea of grief. Residents wept, sobbed, and demanded to know why Zubeen died thousands of kilometres from his homeland. His final procession on September 21, in a flower-draped ambulance, drew massive crowds. His body was placed at Sarusajai Stadium for public homage. Young fans from across Northeast India gathered in unprecedented numbers. The crowds remained undiminished even after his cremation on September 23 at Kamarkuchi village, 20 km east of Guwahati, with full state honours and a 21-gun salute.
Before his final rites, over 50 police complaints were lodged against Shyamkanu Mahanta, chief organiser of the 4th North East India Festival on September 19–21, where Zubeen was scheduled to perform. Siddharth Sharma, his manager, also faced accusations. Several First Information Reports (FIRs) named Shekarjyoti Goswami, a close associate of Zubeen, and Sanjive Narain, a businessman owning Prag News channel and Dainik Janambhumi newspaper. The complaints allege their collective negligence led to Zubeen’s death in Singapore. Public fury prompted the Dispur government to order an immediate probe. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed under the Assam Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Singapore authorities conducted an autopsy before releasing Zubeen’s body. A second post-mortem was performed at Gauhati Medical College Hospital, overseen by a doctor from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Guwahati, as many suspected foul play. The Singapore death certificate lists drowning as the cause, but both autopsy reports remain confidential, fueling further suspicion.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued look-out notices for Mahanta and Sharma, ordering them to appear before Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officials in Guwahati by October 6. He wrote to the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, requesting a judicial commission led by a sitting judge to ensure transparency in the investigation. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) raided the residences of Mahanta and Sharma in Guwahati, seizing documents and other items. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) also issued urgent summons to individuals present or aware of the events leading to Zubeen’s death. Eight non-resident Assamese professionals who accompanied Zubeen on the yacht trip in Singapore were directed to report to authorities within 10 days. Zubeen’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, along with close family members, approached the police. They demanded a thorough investigation into the mysterious circumstances of his death and alleged financial irregularities tied to the incident.
After prolonged silence, the Assam Association in Singapore confirmed Zubeen joined their members for a yacht trip to Saint John’s Island on the fateful day. Expressing profound sorrow, they noted that some members are cooperating with the ongoing investigation. They refrained from public comments until the probe concludes, citing legal restrictions. In Assam, the lawyers’ association called on its members to avoid representing those accused in Zubeen’s mysterious death. They described the incident as shrouded in suspicion, mystery, and hints of conspiracy. Defending the accused would be a grave ethical error, their statement cautioned.
Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi, also the deputy leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, blamed negligence for Zubeen’s death. He demanded a transparent investigation. Debabrata Saikia, the opposition leader in the Assam Legislative Assembly, called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. He sent a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, urging her intervention. Several civil society groups, including the All Assam Students’ Union, continue to press for a comprehensive investigation. Chief Minister Sarma agreed to consider transferring the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) if necessary, given that the incident occurred outside India. The government imposed a ban on Mahanta organising any events or festivals in Assam. All financial support to his companies was suspended.
The #JusticeForZubeen campaign continues to gain momentum, uniting fans, supporters, and citizens across Assam and beyond. They remain steadfast in their pursuit of truth and accountability for their beloved cultural icon, ensuring his legacy endures through their collective resolve.
*Senior journalist
