Political Tensions Escalate in Assam Over Singer Zubeen Garg's Death Investigation

Zubeen Garg died by drowning while swimming in the sea on September 19 in Singapore.

Guwahati:

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced today his government will file police cases against individuals who incited public unrest regarding Zubeen Garg's death. Sarma emphasized that opposition politicians, including Gaurav Gogoi, would not be exempt from investigation.

Sarma issued a stern warning, stating, "Some individuals are attempting to transform Assam into Nepal, but we will not tolerate such actions."

He elaborated, "We will register an omnibus case against those who provoked citizens on the Zubeen Garg issue, and I anticipate Gaurav Gogoi will be questioned in this investigation. Similar to our approach during anti-CAA protests, we will file cases against individuals who attempted to create disturbances at the airport or during public tributes. These actions are politically motivated, and no one will escape accountability. Certain parties are trying to convert Assam into Nepal, which we will firmly oppose."

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi responded on Monday by criticizing Chief Minister Sarma, claiming he was deliberately misdirecting the investigation into the singer's death.

Gogoi stated, "Assam's citizens want answers regarding Zubeen Garg's death. Unfortunately, the Chief Minister is intentionally undermining the investigation. Rather than providing information about the circumstances surrounding Garg's death, he's releasing details that question the morality of the deceased and his associates."

"The people of Assam aren't seeking moral lectures or character assessments from Himanta Biswa Sarma. They simply demand the truth about what happened to Zubeen Garg," he added.

Gogoi alleged that the Chief Minister appears to be protecting event organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, who had invited Garg to Singapore.

"His approach to diverting the investigation suggests his priority isn't justice for Zubeen Garg but safeguarding Shyamkanu Mahanta. Many in Assam believe the Chief Minister maintains close ties with the Mahanta family and has longstanding connections with several members who have benefited from his support," Gogoi claimed.

"Justice must prevail. There's no need for moral lectures or character evaluations. Stop attempting to shield Shyamkanu Mahanta by derailing the investigation," he urged.

Gogoi also criticized the BJP, noting that its own members and IT cell were politicizing Garg's death.

"The Chief Minister should examine his own party's behavior. Review the tweets from his MLAs and prominent BJP IT cell members. I've observed comments on those posts from BJP supporters and Zubeen Garg fans from Assam themselves, requesting their own IT cell to stop politicizing his death."

"Zubeen Garg opposed the CAA and communal division. Even BJP's younger supporters are reminding their leadership of what Zubeen Garg stood for," he concluded.

Garg died by drowning while swimming in the sea on September 19 in Singapore, where he had traveled to perform at a festival.