Assam Forms Judicial Commission to Probe Singer Zubeen Garg's Death
The Assam government will establish a judicial commission headed by a sitting Gauhati High Court judge to investigate the mysterious death of iconic singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore. Garg died on September 19, prompting widespread public outcry and the filing of over 60 FIRs. The event organiser, Shyamkanu Mahanta, and the singer's manager have been arrested. Mahanta has since moved the Supreme Court, alleging a "media witch-hunt" and seeking a probe by a central agency into the case.
Unpacked:
Zubeen Garg died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea in Singapore, where he was attending the NorthEast India Festival organized by Shyamkanu Mahanta. The death was initially reported as drowning but is now being investigated as possible murder.
The event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and manager Siddharth Sharma were arrested after allegations, including by a bandmate, suggested they may have poisoned Zubeen Garg. The arrests followed numerous FIRs and public outcry.
The Assam government established a judicial commission headed by a Gauhati High Court judge to investigate the case. Simultaneously, a Special Investigation Team and central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Department are assisting Assam Police in the probe.
Two post-mortem reports—one from Singapore and a second from Gauhati Medical College—were provided to Garg's wife. Viscera samples were sent for forensic analysis in Delhi, and the findings may be crucial in determining the cause and manner of death.