SIT Summons Northeast India Festival Organizer in Zubeen Garg Death Investigation

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating Zubeen Garg's death has summoned Shyamkanu Mahanta, organizer of the Northeast India Festival in Singapore, and the singer's manager, Siddhartha Sarma, to join the investigation by October 6, sources informed NDTV.

Mr. Garg was in Singapore for the Northeast India Festival when he went on a yacht ride on September 19. The 52-year-old went swimming and was later found floating face down in the water. Authorities have also questioned Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, one of the singer's bandmates who was present during the incident.

According to sources, the SIT has additionally summoned approximately twelve other individuals from Assam who accompanied Mr. Garg on the yacht. They have likewise been instructed to participate in the investigation by October 6.

On Friday, the SIT conducted raids at Mr. Mahanta's residence for the second consecutive day. A case has been registered against him under various sections, including criminal conspiracy.

Protests have escalated throughout Assam with demands for immediate arrests and a transparent investigation into Mr. Garg's death. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has assured residents that no one involved will escape accountability.

On Thursday, Mr. Sarma stated that Mr. Mahanta's programs do not represent Assamese culture, and the state government has decided to withdraw all support for them.

"Shyamkanu Mahanta's programmes are not associated with Assamese culture, which is why I never attended them. I once went to his programme at Judges Field in Guwahati, but departed immediately following a disruption from the crowd," he said.

"I never encourage him or his programmes because they lack connection to Assamese culture. The state government has decided no funding will be provided to him," he added.