Assam Police Awaits Singapore's Response in Zubeen Garg Death Investigation: Latest Updates

Assam Police has not received any response yet from Singaporean authorities regarding their request for information about cultural icon Zubeen Garg's death, a senior officer announced on Saturday.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police, which is investigating the singer-composer's death, has issued a second round of summons to Singapore residents of Assamese origin who were present during Garg's final moments, requesting they appear and provide statements.

Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta of the CID stated during a press conference in Guwahati, "We have invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore, requesting assistance in this case. We've requested items such as CCTV footage through the Ministry of Home Affairs to the relevant authorities there."

He confirmed that this request was submitted immediately after the investigation began in Assam.

"Singapore's attorney general's office serves as the central nodal agency for this matter. They have received our request, which is currently under consideration, and they will inform us accordingly," added Gupta, who leads the 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating Garg's death.

Gupta emphasized that the lack of information from Singaporean authorities has not impeded their investigation in India thus far.

He clarified that an Assam Police team cannot simply travel to Singapore without proper authorization, and they are following legal protocols to obtain the necessary information from Singapore.

"This involves a foreign country. Police from one nation cannot simply investigate cases in another without proper authorization. We must adhere to international treaties and are utilizing appropriate legal channels to advance our investigation," the officer explained.

Gupta highlighted that conducting an investigation in Singapore without official permission or while on a tourist visa would constitute a legal violation.

"We could face prosecution for visa violations. Additionally, any evidence collected under such circumstances would not be admissible in court," Gupta noted.

"Investigations in Singapore must be conducted through their police. The Indian High Commission there maintains continuous contact and is following up on the matter," he stated.

The official further revealed that summonses were issued to 11 people of Assamese origin currently residing in Singapore who were present on the yacht during the incident on September 19, requesting their appearance before the SIT to provide statements.

Only one individual responded to the initial summons, prompting the CID to issue a second summons with an extended deadline to the remaining individuals.

Gupta stressed that these individuals must appear in person before the SIT to record their statements, as video conferencing is not acceptable.

"We have various legal options to ensure their appearance, and we're employing those measures. We've requested they come without delay, and we remain hopeful they will comply," he said.

When questioned about potential reasons for the delayed depositions from Singapore-based Assamese individuals, the official suggested, "Singapore Police are also investigating this case. Perhaps their statements are being recorded there, causing the delay. They will eventually participate in our investigation here, as there's no reason not to."

Regarding the final post-mortem report of Garg's body, the senior police officer confirmed that the viscera report has been received and forwarded to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).

"A GMCH expert team will examine it and compile the final post-mortem report. We will then submit it to the court and provide a copy to the family," he added.

When asked about the status of the first post-mortem report conducted in Singapore, Gupta responded, "To my knowledge, the report was given to the family with instructions not to share it."

The senior officer declined to comment on the cause of Garg's death as the investigation remains ongoing.

The 52-year-old musical icon died while swimming in Singapore waters on September 19 during his visit to participate in the North East India Festival.

Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the case so far: North East India Festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, the singer's cousin Sandipan Garg, his manager Siddhartha Sharma, musician Shekharjyoti Goswami, singer Amritprava Mahanta, and his two PSOs Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya.