Zubeen Garg's Personal Security Officers Arrested in Death Investigation Following Financial Irregularities

Both Bora and Baishya had been with Zubeen for several years.

Guwahati:

Two of Assamese music legend Zubeen Garg's personal security officers (PSOs) have been arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating his death, police announced on Friday.

The officers, Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya, were detained after extensive questioning. Both had previously been suspended by the Assam Police following discoveries of significant unexplained financial transactions in their personal bank accounts.

Investigators discovered over Rs 1.1 crore in transactions connected to the two officers - with Bora's account containing Rs 70 lakh and Baishya's approximately Rs 40-45 lakh. Both amounts substantially exceed their known income sources, according to police.

The arrests represent a significant breakthrough in the high-profile case surrounding Zubeen's death, whose passing in Singapore last month devastated millions of fans across Assam and beyond. The 52-year-old singer, composer, and actor was considered one of the region's most influential cultural figures.

According to sources, Zubeen had utilized the PSOs' bank accounts to manage and distribute his funds, much of which he reportedly allocated to charitable causes. Both officers underwent repeated questioning by the SIT in recent weeks before their formal arrest today.

Both Bora and Baishya had served with Zubeen for many years. The Assam Police assigned them to the singer after he received death threats from the banned militant organization ULFA nearly a decade ago.

The financial transactions under examination reportedly occurred over the past four to five years, raising questions about the extent of involvement Zubeen's personal security staff had in his financial affairs.

Zubeen's wife, Garima Saikia Garg, stated on Thursday that the singer had indeed entrusted some money to his security officers but for benevolent purposes.

"Zubeen had given some money to the PSOs for the social work he does," she explained. "Investigations are ongoing. The PSOs have all the bank statements, and they also maintained a diary about various transactions."

Garima, however, distanced herself from her husband's personal finances, stating she was unaware of Zubeen's financial activities.

Garima also urged the public and political circles not to exploit the case for other agendas.

"The issue should not be politicized. We simply want to know what happened to him on that day," she stated. "He was loved by all and received love and respect... So why was he neglected in that manner on that fateful day? This is our question."

She criticized the circulation of videos allegedly showing Zubeen's final moments online. "Why are his last videos being posted in parts, just like a web series?" she questioned. "We are confused about the different accounts being shared at different times. We simply want to know the correct version and the truth."

Garima and Zubeen's sister, Palme Borthakur, have both demanded clarity regarding the circumstances of the singer's death in Singapore, which remains under multiple lines of investigation.

The Assam government established a Special Investigation Team last month to examine both financial and personal aspects of the case, following demands for transparency from fans and family members.

Currently, the SIT maintains that the investigation is "open and ongoing."