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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday claimed that celebrated singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg was murdered in Singapore, even as the
official probe into the artist’s mysterious death continues. The 52-year-old musician, known for his contributions to Assamese and Hindi music, died on September 19 while swimming in the sea in Singapore, where he had gone to attend the 4th edition of the North East India Festival (NEIF). “I am not terming it an accident. The charge-sheet in Zubeen Garg's murder case needs to be submitted by December 17. I have set a target to submit it by December 8. We are ready now,” Sarma told reporters in Tezpur, as quoted by PTI.
The chief minister, however, declined to share details about the evidence that led authorities to treat the death as a case of murder.
CID-Led SIT Probing Case
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Assam Police is currently investigating the case. The probe began after more than 60 FIRs were filed across the state demanding a detailed inquiry into Garg’s death.
Sarma said the charge sheet will be filed after obtaining mandatory approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). “If any incident takes place abroad, an approval is required from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Yesterday, I met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to get an approval soon,” he said.
The SIT is expected to approach the MHA within the next few days to secure the necessary clearance, he added.
7 Arrested in Connection With Zubeen Garg's Death
So far, seven people have been arrested, including NEIF chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, two of his band members — Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amrit Prabha Mahanta — and his cousin, Assam Police DSP Sandipan Garg.
The singer’s two personal security officers, Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya, were also apprehended after investigators reportedly uncovered large financial transactions worth over ₹1.1 crore in their accounts.
All seven are currently in judicial custody and have been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence.
Singapore Police Conducting Parallel Probe
Meanwhile, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) is conducting an independent investigation into Garg’s alleged drowning. In a statement issued on October 17, the SPF said preliminary findings “have not indicated any foul play” in the singer’s death.
The SPF added that its investigation could take another three months, after which the findings will be submitted to the state coroner for further proceedings.
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