CID To Probe Zubeen Garg's Death After FIRs Against Manager, Singapore Fest Organiser

Assam has announced a state mourning from September 20 to 22 following the death of renowned singer Zubeen Garg.

Guwahati:

The circumstances surrounding the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore will be investigated by the Assam CID. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has instructed the Assam Police to transfer all First Information Reports (FIRs) related to the case to the CID and consolidate them for a comprehensive investigation.

According to the Chief Minister, the 52-year-old artist passed away on Friday while swimming in the sea without wearing a life jacket.

Zubeen Garg had traveled to Singapore for the three-day North East India Festival scheduled to commence today. Following the singer's unexpected death, the event was canceled.

Chief Minister Sarma noted that several FIRs have been filed against Syamkanu Mahanta, the chief organizer of the Northeast festival, and Sidharth Sarma, Zubeen Garg's manager, in connection with the singer's sudden demise.

Mr. Mahanta clarified that Zubeen Garg was not officially invited to perform at the festival. "He consistently attended our events, both domestic and international. As a prominent figure from the Northeast, he considered it his responsibility to represent the region and convey positive messages about it from various platforms," Mahanta explained.

He further alleged that some individuals were attempting to spread misinformation about the incident.

"I want to emphasize that Zubeen Garg came voluntarily. Social media videos suggesting he had already performed in Singapore are inaccurate, as our event was scheduled to begin on Friday, and no performances had taken place before the unfortunate incident occurred," Mahanta stated.

Chief Minister Sarma mentioned that he has reached out to Simon Wong, the Singapore High Commissioner in India, requesting a thorough inquiry into the death.

The initial FIR was registered against North East India Festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta and the singer's manager Siddhartha Sharma at Morigaon police station. The complaint alleges that the accused "as part of a conspiracy, took Zubeen to a foreign country, ostensibly for a performance but with the intention to kill him."

Assam has declared three days of state mourning for the singer from September 20 to 22. During this period, official entertainment events, dinners, and ceremonial functions will be suspended.

The post-mortem examination was completed at the Singapore hospital, and the results were provided to his team through the Indian High Commission. The singer's remains will be transported from Singapore to New Delhi this evening, where Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will receive them. The body will then be brought to Guwahati via special flight by 6 am tomorrow.