Investigation intensifies in Zubeen Garg's Death: SIT detains musician, Raids manager's home

Digital Desk

The investigation into the untimely death of acclaimed singer Zubeen Garg has escalated significantly, with Assam Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) detaining a close associate and conducting raids on Thursday. The probe focuses on uncovering the circumstances that led to the singer's drowning during a trip to Singapore.

Key Developments in the SIT Probe

The 10-member SIT, led by Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta, is moving swiftly with its investigation. Here are the major recent developments:

Detention of Bandmate: MusicianShekhar Jyoti Goswami, a long-time band member of Zubeen Garg who was present during the Singapore yacht trip, has been taken into custody for questioning. Goswami had previously described finding Garg floating face-down in the water and seeing a "white liquid" coming from his mouth and nose.

Raids on Associates: SIT teams conducted simultaneous raids at the Guwahati residences of the singer's manager,Siddhartha Sharma, and the organiser of the Northeast India Festival,Shyamkanu Mahanta. Both premises were found locked, and the individuals were not present.

Public Outcry: The raid at Sharma's Dhirenpara residence turned tense when a gathered crowd of angry fans pelted stones at police vehicles, leading to a baton-charge by security personnel. In a separate incident, a distressed fan reportedly jumped off a bridge in Guwahati, expressing grief over the singer's death.

Background of the Case

Zubeen Garg, a beloved figure in Assamese music and culture, died on September 19 in Singapore, where he was scheduled to perform at the Northeast India Festival. While a post-mortem in Singapore confirmed drowning as the cause of death, the Assam government constituted the SIT to investigate potential negligence or other lapses. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that a CBI inquiry will be recommended if the SIT's findings are unsatisfactory.

The singer was cremated on September 23 in Assam's Sonapur with full state honours, attended by thousands of mourners. As the investigation continues, the SIT has pledged to question all individuals who accompanied Garg on his final trip.